20 December 2024

Driving to the South Coast these holidays? Here's what you need to know

| James Day
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Overtaking Lane

A 760-metre overtaking lane has been opened between Mulloon Creek and Goulburn Road. It’s the second lane to be opened under a safety upgrade program for Kings Highway. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

While the silly season has already begun for some, those desperate for the sea breeze should plan ahead for their 148 km commute from Canberra to Batemans Bay.

Double demerits for driving offences kicked off today (20 December) for ‘Operation Christmas/New Year 2024’ and conclude a minute before midnight on Wednesday (1 January 2025). NSW Police said these points will apply to speeding, seatbelts, mobile phones and motorcycle helmet offences.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Command officers, together with local police, will focus on speeding, drink and drug driving, driver fatigue, and any dangerous behaviour that puts others at risk.

READ ALSO Do you live, work or play regionally in the southern NSW and the ACT? Get to know RDASNA!

NSW Acting Assistant Commissioner Tracy Chapman said the risk of a fine or the loss of demerit points should deter people from breaking the law

“However, not putting the lives of others at risk should be the incentive to use our roads safely,” she said.

“Sadly, we have seen an increase of fatal crashes on our roads in recent weeks, which is devastating to families, friends and whole communities.

“People can expect to see a highly visible police presence on all roads across NSW – from major motorways to backstreets.”

Kings Highway has been in a constant state of repair over the last few years, which has, at times, thrown peoples’ commutes into disarray.

In light of these disruptions, a Facebook group has been set up with regular contributions from members asking and answering questions about the latest traffic along Kings Highway.

Live Traffic NSW also provides up-to-date information on hazards, rest stops, cameras and the estimated travel time for your route.

More recently, NSW Transport reported an update on traffic conditions between Bobbaduck Close and Hazeldell Road at Mulloon, which have been disrupted by road works since late October.

However, for the Christmas shutdown period (13 December 2024 to 28 January 2025), work will stop temporarily to minimise the impact on motorists.

If you’re hitting the coast in an EV, range anxiety shouldn’t be a problem.

There are four plugs in Braidwood—two at the Braidwood Servicemen’s Club & Golf Course and two outside the Royal Mail Hotel.

There are also several chargers in the Village Centre car park at Batemans Bay.

Check out the PlugShare app for more information about EV chargers, and their locations.

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John Pedestrian7:16 am 22 Dec 24

I would ask those who are happy driving at say 90kph to please not speed up to 105 when they reach an overtake lane .
As for the Kings hwy, it’s a lot better a lot safer than it was twenty years ago.
We live near Braidwood, the ambo police sirens are much less frequent than they used to be.

Make sure you keep an eye out for the speed radars at the end of the few dual over taking lanes, but that would only be called revenue raising wouldn’t

Crazed_Loner12:45 pm 20 Dec 24

Yes, you’ll inevitably be exceeding the speed to limit to get past the slow cars which suddenly and miraculously speed up whenever they get to an overtaking lane.

Alternatively, you could not be a selfish tool and not speed. Then it’s not an issue.

Or you can sit behind someone who doesn’t have the skill to drive at the speed limit

Absolutely right.

How many times do we need to see this foolish fact-free cliche. Sigh…

GrumpyGrandpa6:05 pm 21 Dec 24

Hi Davo,
“Skill” to drive at the speed limit?
In wet weather, there is no difference to the speed limit.
At night when visibility is reduced, or in the evening or mornings when kangaroos are about, there is no difference to the speed limit.
If your car has a smaller engine or isn’t as new as other driver’s car, there is no difference to the speed limit.
I could go on….
The speed limit is a maximum speed, at which the general physics/ road topography/camber etc are deemed safe, under normal driving conditions. Outside those parameters, drivers should reduce their speed, for their own safety and that of other who they share the road with.
I know how my car drives, corners and brakes. I know it behaves when loaded. None of that relates to my skill level. Actually, it probably does. I have the skills to know when my car is driving safely. I’m the guy, who is not going to push my car beyond it’s capabilities. I’m going to be driving to the conditions and the capabilities of my vehicle, even if that’s a few kph below the speed limit.
So, maybe don’t assume that driving below the speed limit is a lack of skills. That might be a mistake or possibly seen as arrogance.
Be courtesy, be patient and drive to survive. (I am a professional driver).

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