12 July 2016

Double driver demerit points for long weekend

| Michael Reid
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Police wrap

Police have urged motorists to drive safely over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend and warned that the traffic operations team will be targeting those that choose to do the wrong thing.

Double demerit points are effective from the first instance on Friday until midnight on Monday and will apply to all speed and seatbelt offences, use of a mobile phone while driving, driving with a passenger in or on part of the vehicle not designed for carriage of passengers or goods, and riding a motorbike without a helmet.

Other offences listed in schedule one of the Australian Road Rules that hold demerit points will incur one extra demerit point.

Station Sergeant Susan Ball, the officer in charge of traffic operations, said road safety was everyone’s responsibility and asked that all drivers consider the consequences of not taking that responsibility seriously.

“Enjoy yourself this long weekend but remember the tragic consequences that can come from drinking and driving or allowing yourself to be distracted while on the roads,” she said.

“No text message or phone call is worth somebody’s life.

“If you are travelling interstate, don’t drive when fatigued and remember to take regular rest breaks every two hours.

“The ACT road toll for 2016 currently sits at three and that is three too many. Take your time and arrive safely.”

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