Large volumes of traffic are expected with the end of school holidays

NSW Police officers, from the Central Coast to Tweed Heads, will be patrolling local roadways and the Pacific Highway (M1) conducting random breath testing, random drug testing, speed enforcement and general traffic compliance.

Northern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell, said there would be additional police from both the Traffic & Highway patrol command and police districts out on roads across northern NSW over the weekend.

“We want to make sure families travelling back from school holidays get home safely,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.

“There will be a large police presence throughout the northern region, with officers ready to enforce the road rules to ensure those that choose to drive dangerously, drive intoxicated or drug affected or use their mobile phone while driving will be held to account,” he said.

“All of these driving behaviours have the potential to cause damage to themselves or other innocent road users.

“So far this year 37 people have died on roads across northern NSW with a further 35 suffering serious injuries.

“These collisions were avoidable and I can only urge all road users to take in these startling statistics and drive safely.”

Police are urging motorists that are driving for longer distances and at later times than they are used to, to manage their fatigue and to stop and take a rest break.

“If you are out on the road this coming weekend, make sure you do the right thing by yourself, your loved ones and other motorists – stick to the road rules, drive to the conditions, take plenty of breaks and get to your destination in one piece,.”

Since the start of Operation Merrett on March 11 across NSW, the following results in Northern Region are: