As holiday travelers hit the roads this long weekend, police will be on the lookout for speeding and distracted drivers.
From Friday to Monday, double demerits will be in effect across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
Officers will be looking for drivers who are speeding, not wearing seatbelts, or talking on their phones.
As Sydneysiders and Canberrans head away for the weekend, expect heavy traffic on the major highways.
‘Heavy traffic is expected along the Hume Highway, Federal Highway, Monaro Highway, Snowy Mountains Highway, Kosciuszko Road, and Alpine Way from around 2pm on Friday,’ said Transport for NSW Executive Director Customer Coordination Roger Weeks.
Mr Weeks also cautioned drivers traveling to snowy areas to be cautious.
‘More snow means more road danger.’ We want everyone to arrive safely at their destination, so if you’re traveling this long weekend, make sure you drive to the conditions, get plenty of rest before you leave, and never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol,’ he said.
‘In sub-zero temperatures, drivers should reduce speed, limit braking, use daytime driving lights, and maintain a greater distance between cars in front of them.’
Only New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory have double demerits over the June long weekend.
In September, Western Australia celebrates Queen’s Birthday with a long weekend that includes double demerits.
Queensland’s double demerit system is in place to punish drivers who commit traffic violations on a regular basis and is in effect all year.
There are no double demerits in Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, or the Northern Territory.