Motorists across New South Wales are being urged to drive safely over the ANZAC Day long weekend, with police enforcing double demerit points on roads statewide from midnight tonight until 11:59pm Monday 27 April.
With ANZAC Day falling on a Saturday this year, authorities have reminded drivers that an additional public holiday on Monday will extend the long weekend, with increased traffic expected on major highways and regional routes.
Double demerits will target high-risk behaviours including speeding, illegal mobile phone use, improper seatbelt use and motorcycle helmet offences. Police will conduct random breath testing and mobile drug testing, alongside a visible enforcement presence across metropolitan and regional areas.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said officers would be highly active throughout the period. “Let there be no doubt: NSW Police officers will be out in force this long weekend and they will be targeting the behaviours we know put lives at risk on our roads,” she said.
“This is a high-visibility operation, and drivers can expect to see police on highways, in regional areas and across our metropolitan road network.”
She warned that common offences carry serious consequences. “There is no excuse for speeding, using your mobile phone, or incorrectly wearing a seatbelt. These are not just offences, they are choices – and they could cost you your life.”
“If you make the wrong decision behind the wheel, you will be caught and you will face the consequences. Double demerits are there to deter risky behaviour and encourage safer driving when our roads are at their busiest.”
Road safety concerns remain high, with more than 107 lives lost on NSW roads this year, six more than the same period last year. Data shows speeding contributed to almost 40 per cent of road deaths last year, while drug driving, drink driving and fatigue each account for around 16 to 24 per cent of fatalities annually.
Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said the figures reflect the human cost of unsafe driving. “Tragically, 107 lives have already been lost on our roads this year, which is 6 more than this time last year,” she said.
“These aren’t just statistics. They are people, and every single death represents a family, a community and a life cut short.”
She said the long weekend would place additional pressure on the road network. “We know the biggest risks are speeding, fatigue, distraction and driving under the influence, and these behaviours continue to have devastating consequences.”
“This long weekend, there will be more people on the road, more families travelling and more pressure on the network, which is why it’s so important that every driver takes responsibility.”
“Slow down, put your phone away, wear your seatbelt properly and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”
Authorities say the enforcement period is aimed at reducing risky behaviour during one of the busiest travel periods on the NSW calendar.
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