Double demerits for 13 days as Operation Christmas/New Year kicks off tonight

Police will be out in force targeting dangerous driving this holiday period as part of the state’s end-of-year road operation designed to keep people safe on our roads during the busy festive season.

Operation Christmas/New Year 2024 will commence at 12.01am tomorrow (Friday, December 20) and will conclude at 11.59pm on Wednesday, January 1.

Double demerit points will apply for the duration of the operation for speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt, and motorcycle helmet offences.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley is urging everyone to play their part and stay safe on the roads this holiday season.

“This is such a special time of year – a chance to celebrate with family and friends but it’s also one of the most dangerous times to be on the road,” minister Catley said.

“Some people think it’s okay to check a text, speed on familiar roads, or drive tired, but road rules exist to keep everyone safe. While police will be out and about patrolling this holiday season, it’s up to all of us to take responsibility – and if you do the wrong thing, you can expect to see red and blue lights in your rear-view mirror.

“You don’t want to get a fine in the mail or lose your licence, but even worse, you don’t want to be the reason someone misses out on celebrating with their loved ones this Christmas.

“So please, drive like your life depends on it – because it does.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said sadly six people died as a result of crashes on our roads during the Christmas and New Year double demerit period last year.

“Every choice you make on the road can save lives,” minister Aitchison said.

“With many people expected to be on the roads travelling across the state to celebrate the festive season, I remind everyone to be vigilant and allow extra time to travel, even for short trips.

“It’s easy to become complacent about road safety, but unsafe driving can have tragic consequences.

“I urge everyone to obey the road rules and make safe decisions every time you’re behind the wheel, so everyone can reach their destinations safely to enjoy the holidays with their loved ones.

“You can avoid heavy penalties, and more importantly avoid hurting yourself or other people on the road, by staying under the speed limit, putting your phone away, correctly wearing a seatbelt and giving yourself plenty of travel time.

“If you’re riding a motorcycle, I also urge you to follow this advice and always wear a helmet and protective gear.”

Traffic and highway patrol command officers, together with local police across NSW, will be enforcing all road-related legislation, including speeding, drink and drug driving, distractions, driver fatigue, and any dangerous driving behaviours which put the safety of road users at risk.

Traffic and highway patrol commander, acting assistant commissioner Tracy Chapman, said the holiday period is traditionally the busiest time of year on NSW roads and police will be out in force across the state to encourage compliance with the road rules.

“Sadly, we have seen an increase of fatal crashes on our roads in recent weeks, which is devastating to families, friends and whole communities,” acting assistant commissioner Chapman said.

“Our traffic enforcement activities seek to ensure all road users get to their destinations safely, and I urge people to consider the potential impacts of irresponsible behaviour – which can change lives forever.

“The risk of a fine or the loss of demerit points should deter people from breaking the law. However, not putting the lives of others at risk should be the incentive to use our roads safely.

“People can expect to see a highly-visible police presence on all roads across NSW – from major motorways to backstreets.

“We urge people to drive safely, this means not driving while you are tired, taking breaks on long trips, driving to the conditions and not getting behind the wheel if you have been drinking alcohol, have taken illicit drugs or are impaired in any way.”

So far this year, as of December 17, 330 people have died in crashes on NSW roads – 244 of those in regional areas. For the same period last year, 331 people died in crashes in NSW – 235 of those in regional areas.