As the October long weekend approaches, many residents may be seeking to travel to see friends or relatives during the school holidays. Double demerits will again be in operation over this weekend so drivers are urged to watch their speed and plan their journeys.
The double demerit points period for the Labour Day long Weekend will run from Friday 29 September to Monday 2 October 2023 inclusive.
Leeton Shire Council’s Road Safety Officer, Steph Puntoriero, says, “Fines and demerits will be applied to speeding, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences, and can result in immediate license suspensions.”
“Drivers are urged to plan their journeys to build in rest breaks and take advantage of Driver Reviver sites.”
“With the warmer weather bringing many riders onto our roads, we would particularly like to remind motorcyclists of the double demerits message and other roads users to remember to ‘Check Twice for Bikes'”.
Some drivers do not seem to be getting the message regarding speeding according to Mrs Puntoriero, “Speeding remains the greatest cause of death and injuries on our roads, contributing to 20 per cent of crashes in Leeton Shire.”
“With 260 people killed on roads in NSW since the start of the year, we need people to understand that speeding and unsafe behaviour kills and there are consequences for breaking the law.”
“Previous double demerit periods have seen increases in the issuing of infringements for speeding offences. Drivers should not be complacent. There will be extra police patrols over the holiday weekend and drivers should understand there is no such thing as safe speeding. Figures for the
five-year period 2018-2022 reveal that from the 123 recorded in Leeton Shire, there were 117 casualties.”
The demerit point for illegal mobile phone use is 5 points so if you’re caught using your phone illegally while driving this long weekend, you’ll cop 10 demerit points.
“NSW Police and Council are calling on everyone on our roads to use common sense and err on the side of caution. Taking risks will likely lead to tragic consequences. Don’t speed, don’t drink and drive, or illegally use your mobile phone this holiday weekend. You’re putting the lives of yourself and others at risk and you’ll face stiff penalties when caught,” Mrs Puntoriero added.
