Drivers in New South Wales will face double demerit points over the long weekend of King’s Birthday as police ramp up efforts to curb dangerous driving.
The crackdown will see extra police patrols on roads and highways targeting excessive speed, alcohol and drug driving, fatigue, and distracted driving.
In Victoria, while double demerits are not enforced, police will be actively patrolling under Operation Regal over the same period.
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According to NSW police, double demerits will apply across the state from 12:01am on June 7 to 11:59pm on June 10.
Police Minister Yasmin Catley said it would apply “a zero-tolerance approach”.
“We don’t want to see dangerous behaviour on our roads. We all have a responsibility every time we get behind the wheel of a vehicle. Don’t speed, don’t drink, or take drugs and drive, and don’t use your mobile phone while driving.”
This initiative comes in the wake of alarming road fatality statistics in which 158 people had died on NSW roads, and 121 on Victorian roads by June 5, 2024.
Last year’s King’s Birthday long weekend saw 13 road deaths in NSW despite the double demerits.
Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden expressed significant concern over potential accidents in the upcoming long weekends.
He urged passengers to hold drivers accountable.
“You may not only save your own life, but someone else’s too. It’s up to all of us to do better.”
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