Police will be on hand to target distracted and speeding drivers as tourists take to the roads and double demerits ensue this King’s Birthday long weekend.
The double demerits came into force in 01:01 on Friday and will end at 23:59 Monday in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
Double demerits will be applied to all violations for speeding, seat belt, mobile phone and driving without a helmet.
All other traffic offenses will result in an additional demerit point.
New South Wales and the ACT are the only states and territories to have double demerits over the June long weekend.
Western Australia has a double demerit King’s Birthday long weekend in September.
Double demerits will apply from 12:01 a.m. Friday to 11:59 p.m. Monday in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
New South Wales and ACT are the only states and territories to have double demerits over the June long weekend
Meanwhile, Queensland’s double demerit scheme targets drivers who repeatedly commit offenses on the road and applies year-round.
Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory do not have double demerits.
NSW Highway and Traffic Patrol commander Deputy Commissioner Brett McFadden said police were concerned about the busy long weekend after 13 people died during the same period last year.
«In just the last few weeks we have seen multiple fatal accidents on our roads. “This should not be acceptable to us as a community,” he stated.
‘But it is not just the responsibility of the police to ensure that road safety is respected.
‘I urge anyone who is a passenger in a vehicle to report bad behavior by drivers.
‘Not only can you save your own life, but also that of another person. It is up to all of us to do better.”
