Canberra drivers warned as Easter double demerits blitz begins
Canberrans are being warned to take it easy on the roads this long weekend, with double demerits now in effect.
ACT Policing is running Operation Safe Arrival, with high visibility and unmarked patrols targeting speeding, fatigue and impaired or distracted drivers.
ACT Policing has warned Canberrans to take it easy on the road this long weekend, with double demerits in force.
Photo: ACT PolicingDouble demerits apply to all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and riding without a helmet offences committed between Thursday, March 29 and Monday, April 2.
Station Sergeant Marcus Boorman, the officer in charge of traffic operations, pleaded with drivers to stay safe.
"There will be a higher number of vehicles on the roads, so be patient, adhere to the road rules and make safe decisions," he said.
We want you to arrive at your destination safely.
"Officers don't want to deliver heartbreaking news to your loved ones."
During the 2017 Easter long weekend, ACT Policing issued 246 traffic infringement notices, with 105 for speeding. The highest speed recorded was 140km/h in an 80km/h zone.
Sergeant Boormon said drivers travelling interstate should take regular breaks every two hours and avoid driving if they were fatigued.
For those crossing the border into New South Wales, police there are taking an unorthodox approach to road safety.
NSW Police has increased the number of officers on patrol, not only targeting dangerous drivers, but educating drivers on safe behaviour and encouraging those who are doing the right thing.
"Crashes don't just impact the drivers or motorcyclists involved – they tear families apart and cause unimaginable grief among our communities," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.
Double demerits will also apply for infringements on NSW roads until midnight on Monday.