Residents and holidaymakers planning a long weekend getaway are being reminded that double demerit points will be in force.
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Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils' Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said "for many, this long weekend will be the first opportunity to travel further afield since the COVID-19 travel restrictions were eased. I want to remind all drivers, that the road safety risks are still the same".
"Please remember to slow down, schedule plenty of breaks during your trip, limit distractions in the car, don't drink and drive and ensure all your passengers are wearing their seatbelts.
"The double demerit point period will be in place for four days, commencing on Friday, June 5 and ending on Monday, June 8 (inclusive). Friday, June 5 is a publicly notified school day, therefore double demerit points will apply to all relevant school zone offences committed on that day," Ms Suitor said.
Since their introduction in 1997, double demerit points have proven to be a successful deterrent to unsafe driving behaviours and reducing the road toll on holiday periods when the roads are at their busiest.
Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Martin Ling says Operation Stay Alert, the annual state-wide high-visibility traffic enforcement operation, will run over the June long weekend.
"Highway Patrol will have a strong presence across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas this long weekend. We want everybody to make the most of their time off and enjoy the company of their friends and family, but we want everyone to do their bit and travel safely.
"Officers will be targeting excessive speed, alcohol and drug driving, fatigue, seatbelt, helmet and mobile phone offences.
"With the opening of pubs and clubs earlier this week, we will be paying more attention to drink drivers. We ask those intending to consume alcohol to take advantage of the local taxi service or use a designated driver.
"The predicted cold weather this weekend affects road conditions and we ask that drivers take extra care when driving as the cold, damp conditions will make roads slippery," Sergeant Ling said.
For further information please contact Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils' Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, on (02) 6861 2364.
