NSW Police have already begun Operation Merret, an unorthodox and proactive approach to road policing, aimed at educating and empowering the public to make the right decisions on our roads.

Extra traffic is expected across all roads in the Central West over the next few days as families’ head to popular holiday destinations.

Officer in Charge of Parkes Police Station, Chief Inspector David Cooper said drivers need to follow the road rules in order to return home safely.

“Speed, alcohol, drugs and fatigue all play a major role in motor vehicle accidents within this region,” he said.  

“We are faced with these problems on major highways such as the Newell and Mitchell highways and local and rural roads.”

The school holidays begin on Friday at the end of the school day and conclude on Monday, April 30.

In four weeks since the start of Operation Merret, more than 30,000 infringements have been issued across the state for a variety of offences including speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, and using a mobile phone while driving.

NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn said all road users need to take personal responsibility and stay alert on NSW roads over the busy school holiday period.

“We began Operation Merret, an unorthodox approach to road safety in March this year, to help stem the number of lives lost on our roads,” Deputy Commissioner Burn said.

“While we have seen a lot of positive feedback from the community, it is sad to see that the 30,000 plus infringements represent 30,000 people who made a decision to put themselves and others at risk over the past four weeks.

“With an increase in road users over the school holidays, we are urging everyone to be vigilant and take personal responsibility for their actions on the road.”