Motorists across the Riverina caught doing the wrong thing will not face double demerits this October long weekend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott announced on Sunday that the customary double demerits process would be suspended "to give the people of NSW a break".
"It's been a long, tough COVID-blighted year in NSW and the long weekend marks a point in this journey where we can see the finishing line," he said.
"Stay-at-home orders continue to apply to much of NSW, so the only people on the roads in lockdown areas should be those with a reasonable excuse.
"This is in no way a green light for drivers to break the rules - and Traffic and Highway Patrol officers will be out in force as usual - but this weekend, we won't be doubling up the demerits."
Mr Elliott urged all drivers out on NSW roads this coming weekend to take care while driving, obey the road rules and directions of police, and stay safe.
Riverina Police District's acting Superintendent Winston Woodward said officers would still be targeting unsafe driver behaviour, including drink and drug driving.
He said they would also be cracking down on non-compliance with COVID public health orders.
"The main one we are seeing at the moment is QR [codes]," Superintendent Woodward said.
"It's very hard for local businesses, and I understand totally what they say in relation to 'how do we police people coming through our front doors and using a QR-code'.
"I advise everybody ... don't get into an argument and into a violent confrontation, call us. We can come down and issue appropriate penalty notices."
IN OTHER NEWS:
The second main issue of non-compliance officers are seeing, Superintendent Woodward said, is residents not wearing their masks when they are indoors.
He urged people to wear their masks and keep everyone safe.
Superintendent Woodward encouraged the Riverina to have a good time this weekend but said not to drink to excess and follow all public health orders.
"It's no longer double demerits this weekend," he said.
"We are still going to be out in force this weekend.
"Our RBT sites and everything is geared up to combat both [driver behaviour and COVID compliance].
The NSW Police Force's October Long Weekend road traffic campaign will begin just after midnight on Friday and conclude at 12.59pm on Monday.
For information on COVID-19 rules regarding travel, motorists are encouraged to visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark dailyadvertiser.com.au
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters