As the June long weekend and school holidays approach, many residents may be travelling to see friends or relatives.
Double demerits will be in operation over the June long weekend and Leeton Shire Council is urging drivers to watch their speed and plan their journeys.
The double demerit period for the King's Birthday long weekend is from Friday, 9 June to Monday, 12 June 2023.
"Fines and demerits will be applied to speeding, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences, and can result in immediate license suspensions," Leeton Shire Council's Road Safety Officer Steph Puntoriero said.
"Drivers are urged to plan their journeys to build in rest breaks and take advantage of Driver Reviver sites."
Some drivers do not seem to be getting the message regarding speeding according to Mrs Puntoriero.
"Speeding remains the greatest cause of death and injuries on our roads, contributing to 19% of crashes in Leeton Shire from 2017-2021."
"With 145 people killed on our state's roads since the start of the year, we need people to understand that speeding and unsafe behavior can kill, and there are consequences for breaking the law."
"There will be extra police patrols over the holiday weekend and drivers should understand there is no such thing as safe speeding. Drivers should not be complacent," she said.
The demerit point for illegal mobile phone use is five points so if you're caught using your phone illegally while driving this long weekend, you'll lose 10 demerit points.
"NSW Police and Council are calling on everyone on our roads to use common sense and err on the side of caution. Taking risks can lead to tragic consequences. Don't speed, don't drink and drive, or illegally use your mobile phone this holiday weekend," Mrs Puntoriero said."
"You're putting the lives of yourself and others at risk and you'll face stiff penalties when caught."
