Double demerits are set to kick in on Friday 23 December during Operation Christmas/New Year in a bid to make sure everyone arrives alive during the holiday period. 

The 11-day operation will see double demerit points apply for speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences. 

Minister for Police Paul Toole handed responsibility back to people on the road when it comes to keeping people safe. 

“Unfortunately, some people still think they’re above the law, whether it’s quickly checking a text, driving too fast because the road is familiar, or getting behind the wheel when tired, but we have road rules for a reason because we want everyone to arrive safely at their destination this holiday period,” Mr Toole said. 



“While police will be out in force, please remember that road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” he said. 

Traffic and Highway Patrol Command officers will be out alongside local police across NSW to enforce road-related legislation including drink and drug driving, distractions, driving tired, and other dangerous driving behaviours. 

“You don’t want to get a fine in the mail or lose your licence, but worse still, you don’t want to be the reason someone can’t celebrate with all their loved ones this Christmas, so I’m calling on drivers to do the right thing every time they get behind the wheel,” Mr Toole said. 

The current road toll in NSW is 280 across NSW, an increase of 16 deaths for the same time last year. 

Head of Safety at Transport for NSW Peter Dunphy said we want everyone to make it to their destination safely – whether it’s a trip to the local shops or a longer road trip.

“Five people lost their lives during the Christmas and New Year double demerit period last year,” Mr Dunphy said. 

In three of those crashes, alcohol was involved.

“Even a drink or two increases your blood alcohol concentration, and as it rises so does your risk of being involved in a crash.” 

Across the Western Plains, road closures are still in place in several councils. 

Make sure to plan your trip by checking road closures and staying out of floodwaters.