Across the Western Region, as everywhere in NSW, double demerit points for speeding, seatbelt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences were in force for 11 days over the Christmas and New Year period, aiming to improve road safety during the holiday season.

The Lachlan Shire Council issued a plea on social media prior to the seasonal surge of motorists on our roads for travellers to stay safe and be aware of the double demerit points that would apply from Friday 23 December 2022 to Monday 2 January 2023.

Lachlan, Parkes and Forbes Shire Councils' Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said she was pleased to report that all went well for the local area over that time period.

"I'm happy to say there were no major incidents in the Lachlan Shire," Mr Suitor said. "And it's also pleasing that most main local roads are no longer affected by flood water either."

Ms Suitor said double demerit points have proven to be an effective road safety initiative to make holiday travel safer for everyone on New South Wales' roads.

“Since double demerit points were introduced in 1997 there have been significant reductions in fatal crashes over the holiday periods, including Christmas/New Year, Easter and long weekends," she said.

"The scheme is designed to encourage safe and responsible driving. Working in conjunction with financial penalties, double demerit points provide a strong incentive to drive within the law.

“Traffic on roads to popular holiday destinations, increases by up to 50 per cent during the Christmas and New Year holiday period, so it is important to obey all the road rules and drive safely.

"Drivers should be warned they are at greatest risk of losing their licence during this period. There will be more police on the roads and therefore more chance of getting caught and losing points.

“I urge all drivers to be patient on the roads and take care. Be aware of the early warning signs of driver fatigue, stick to the speed limit and drive to the conditions, wear your seatbelt and ensure your passengers are all restrained, reduce distractions in the car and avoid mixing alcohol/drugs with driving."

More to come

Ms Suitor reminds local drivers that double demerits are in place in NSW for five days over the Australia Day long weekend from Wednesday, 25 January until Sunday, 29 January inclusive.

Motorists should also be aware that on Friday 27 January 2023, school zones will be in operation. Drivers are reminded additional penalties can apply for certain offences committed in school zones.

Also, keep in mind that Mobile Phone Detection Cameras are active in NSW, drivers caught using their phones during a double demerit period will be hit with a $352 fine ($469 in a school zone) and 10 demerits.