Stay Safe On Our Roads This Christmas

Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra and South Coast Gareth Ward MP and Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock MP have today said that in the lead-up to the busiest time of year on our roads, local motorists are being urged to re-think their on-road behaviour with Operation Safe Arrival kicking off today.

Operation Safe Arrival starts today, Friday 21st December 2018 and concludes on Tuesday 1st January 2019.

Double demerits will be in force throughout the period for speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences.

Mr Ward said that local motorists are continuing to take risks, despite some of the longest and most intense high-visibility police operations NSW has ever seen.

“At a time when most of us look forward to enjoying time with friends and family, we must also prioritise safety, be vigilant, follow the road rules and always drive to the conditions,” he said.

“While local Police don’t want to have to charge people, if you choose to put yourself or others at risk by breaking the road rules or being reckless, they will ensure you face the penalties,” Mr Ward said.

Mrs Hancock said that while November had the lowest road toll recorded on record since 1936 it is important not to become complacent, both drivers and passengers have a part to play in making sure everyone has a ‘Safe Arrival’ at their destination.

“If you’re on the roads this holiday season, I encourage everyone to be their best self behind the wheel, whether you are driving into the city or travelling on the Princes Highway, so that you can return home to loved ones,” she said.

“There will be more local Police tackling risky behaviour on our roads this Christmas so  the message to motorists is clear - you’re responsible for your own actions so don’t do anything that puts you or your family at risk,” Mrs Hancock said.

As Friday is a designated school day, an additional demerit point on top of double demerits will also apply to all relevant school zone offences committed on that day.

Motorists are also being reminded that from 17th September 2018, an extra demerit point was added to the penalty for illegally using a mobile phone while driving.

This will add an additional two demerit points in double demerit periods resulting in a total of 10 demerit points for this offence.