NSW Labor

Motorists are being urged to stay safe on the roads as they make their way home from their summer holidays and Australia Day weekend celebrations.

Transport and Roads Minister David Campbell called on motorists to make getting home safely their number one priority during a period when many families are returning home to begin a new year of school and work.

``It’s imperative that motorists plan ahead, remain patient and set aside time for plenty of rest stops to avoid fatigue,’’ he said.

``Most importantly, don’t try to make up for lost time by speeding or driving irresponsibly.’’

Mr Campbell, as Acting Police Minister, said Highway Patrol and other operational police would be on our roads over the long weekend as part of Operation Safe Return.

``Police will be out in force on the state’s roads and they won’t accept any excuses for drink-driving, speeding or not obeying the road rules,’’ Mr Campbell said.

``It is better to arrive home safely than to not arrive home at all.’’

Mr Campbell warned motorists that they risk double demerits for speeding or not wearing a seatbelt. The same applies to motorcycle riders not wearing helmets.

“There are no excuses for breaking the law and if motorists take this risk on the Australia Day weekend they will be hit with strong penalties,” Mr Campbell said.

“Double demerits will apply from Friday 22 January to Tuesday 26 January inclusive in a bid to reduce injuries and fatalities on NSW roads.

“Since the introduction of demerit points in 1997, there has been a 28 per cent reduction in fatalities during holiday periods.’’

Speed is the major cause of crashes throughout NSW and was a factor in around 46 per cent of all fatal crashes last year. Fatigue was a factor in 18 per cent of fatalities.

“Motorists need to get the message that there is no such thing as safe speeding – just five kilometres above a 60kmh speed limit doubles your chances of being involved in an injury crash,’’ Mr Campbell said.

``P-plate drivers especially need to pay attention to their speed as they risk losing their licence if they break the law during the double demerit period.’’

Key double demerit points that will be in force are:

• Exceed speed limit by no more than 15kmh – 6 points, (P1 licence holder- loss of licence )
• Exceed speed limit by 16-30kmh – 6 points, (P1 licence holder- loss of licence )
• Exceed speed limit by 31-45kmh – 8 points
• Exceed the speed limit by more than 45kmh - 12 points
• Driver not wearing own seatbelt - 6 points
• Driver points for each passenger not wearing a seatbelt - 6 points
• Rider on a motorcycle without own helmet - 6 points
• Rider points for passenger on a motorcycle not wearing a helmet – 6 points

For more information about double demerits, drink driving, fatigue, or to obtain a map with locations of rest areas across NSW, visit www.rta.nsw.gov.au or call 132 701.