Buckle up for The Queen’s Birthday

DOUBLE demerit points will be enforced from midnight tonight, with police targeting speeding, mobile phone use, seatbelts and motorcycle helmet offences over The Queen’s Birthday long weekend.

Police will also continue to target Drink, Drug, Dangerous and Distracted driving, with double demerits in place until midnight, Monday June 14.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole urged motorists not start their holiday on the wrong note, particularly long distance travellers who plan to drive on regional roads.

“We know a lot of people will be heading out to regional New South Wales this long weekend, so I’m reminding drivers travelling long distances to stop for a break along the way to avoid fatigue, stick to the speed limit, obey the road rules and drive to the conditions,” Mr Toole said.

“The largest proportion of fatigue-related crashes occur between 2pm and 5pm, so plan ahead before you hit the road and allow extra travel time,” he said.

Operation Commander Superintendent Stephen Hegarty said police are expecting roads to be busy with people travelling across New South Wales for the long weekend.

“Our message is to be patient and obey the road rules in all conditions,” said Superintendent Hegarty.

“There will be a number of cars on the road as people travel up and down the coast and inland, so we’re asking everyone to be extra careful. Slow down and drive to the conditions,” he said.

“We want everyone to reach their destinations safely and to enjoy the long weekend without tragedy,” he said.