Canberrans hitting the road during the Queen’s Birthday long weekend will face double demerit point penalties.
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Attorney-General Simon Corbell said Increased penalties would be in place from Friday, June 6 until Monday, June 9 for speeding and seatbelt offences in the ACT and New South Wales.
Drivers who exceed the speed limit by 45km/h or more can accrue 12 demerit points and have their licence suspended.
Those drivers found not to be wearing a seatbelt or allowing passengers under the age of 16 to travel in a vehicle unrestrained can accrue six demerit points.
Red light offences and failing to stop at stop signs will earn drivers one extra demerit point on top of the usual number applied.
Mr Corbell said the Queen’s birthday weekend also marked the start of the snow season and drivers should remember roads can could be wet and slippery. Drivers should monitor conditions and carry snow chains.
“People travelling interstate should take advantage of the many rest stops along the major highways or the driver reviver sites in the south-east region of NSW, where refreshments are available to combat fatigue,” Mr Corbell said.
NSW Police will launch Operation Stay Alert at 12.01am on Friday.
Officers will target speeding, impairment by alcohol or drugs, drivers distracted by electronic devices, fatigued drivers and those not wearing seatbelts.
In 2013, six people died in crashes over the same holiday period.
NSW Police deputy commissioner Catherine Burn said drivers needed to take responsibility for their actions.
"Last year’s long weekend was a tragic time that saw not only fatal car crashes, but a pedestrian, cyclist and motorcyclist tragically killed, making it quite clear that road trauma does not discriminate," she said.
"Our message is to all motorists this long weekend: Speeding to get to a destination faster, inattention, fatigue, lack of seatbelts and drink or drug driving can have dangerous and tragic consequences."