NSW Police have made a plea for motorists to to “go slow” and remain patient on the state’s roads this Anzac Day long weekend.
Operation Go Slow began at 12.01am on Friday, April 21 and will conclude at 11.59pm on Tuesday, April 25.
Tragically, 100 people have died on NSW roads already this year.
There were 384 fatalities on the state’s roads in 2016 and 350 deaths in 2015.
Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy, of the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, said drivers needed to slow down this weekend to avoid more deaths.
“We booked more than 7,500 people during double demerits over the Easter long weekend,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
“This indicates that many people simply don’t care about putting their own and other’s lives at risk.”
Assistant Commissioner Corboy said police wanted to work with the community to prevent more deaths on NSW roads.
“For this reason, and this reason alone, you will see more police again out on our roads this weekend taking licences away from those who choose to put themselves and others at risk,” he said.
NSW Minister for Police and Minister Emergency Services, Troy Grant said motorists needed to act with responsibility on the road.
“We encourage people to get out and enjoy all NSW has to offer this long weekend, but to act responsibly and considerately on our roads,” he said.
“No police officer should have to face a roadside tragedy, and no family member should have to get that devastating phone call or knock on their front door.”
We encourage people to get out and enjoy all NSW has to offer this long weekend, but to act responsibly and considerately on our roads."
- NSW Minister for Police and Minister Emergency Services, Troy Grant
Double demerits will be enforced throughout the Operation Go Slow period for speeding, mobile phones, seatbelt, and motorcycle-helmet offences.
Officers will be a highly-visible presence on the roads during the operation.