23 January 2019

Double demerits in place for Australia Day long weekend

| Lachlan Roberts
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Canberra police will be targeting seatbelt offences, drivers using their mobiles and speeding motorists this Australia Day long weekend, with double demerits to be in force from this Friday (25 January).

Police hope to avoid a repeat of last year when 90 Traffic Infringement Notices were issued over the 2018 Australia Day double demerits period 25-28 January 2018. 39 motorists were caught speeding over the same period, one of whom was a motorcyclist detected at 174 km/h on the Majura Parkway.

Officer in Charge of Traffic Operations, Acting Station Sergeant Marcus Boorman said his officers won’t be taking a break this long weekend.

“If you’re thinking of chancing it, you’ll get caught,” Station Sergeant Boorman said.

“We want everyone to enjoy their long weekend and arrive at their destination safely. If you’re driving this weekend, this is your responsibility.

“It’s simple. Allow plenty of time to arrive and don’t rush. If you’re drinking, don’t drive. And look after your mates; there is no greater responsibility than being the designated driver.”

With many Canberrans likely to be heading to the coast for the long weekend, Station Sergeant Boorman said that ACT Policing will be working closely with NSW Police to ensure there is a high police presence on highways like the Kings Highway, as well as all major arterial roads leading in and out of Canberra.

“The annual Kings Highway road safety campaign will continue to target holiday traffic between the ACT and the South Coast over the Australia Day long weekend, but road safety is the responsibility of every road user on every road,” he said.

“Drive safely, take your time, drive to the conditions, be aware of fatigue and stay alert. If you speed or drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you’ll be caught.”

Police would like to remind drivers that double demerits for the Australia Day long weekend will be in place from Friday and will include Monday. All speed, seatbelt and mobile phone offences will incur double demerit points, while all other traffic infringements will incur one additional demerit point.

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