Double demerits from Wednesday and over weekend

The public holiday for the National Day of Mourning for Her Majesty the Queen this Thursday will also see a double demerits period come into effect from Wednesday midnight.

The period will go through until 11.59pm on September 25, so includes the weekend, partly because the end of school terms begins, which means there is likely to be more traffic on the roads.

Double demerit periods automatically apply over a long weekend when a public holiday falls on a Thursday or Friday, or a Monday or Tuesday. The double demerit period extends to the day before a public holiday to account for an increase in road users, with many people taking the opportunity to enjoy a long weekend.

Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary for Safety, Environment and Regulation, TaraMcCarthy, reminded drivers not to be complacent throughout the period.

“Although this is a sombre occasion, there is still likely to be more people out on the roads over the next few days and over the weekend with the school term ending on Friday, so it is important we all take extra care,” Ms McCarthy said.

“The last thing we want to see over this period is an increase in road trauma, which is why double-demerits will be in place like they would for any other public holiday to deter people from doing the wrong thing and putting lives at risk. “Drivers are reminded that this period includes some school days and it is especially important to slow down and take care in school zones at school times – even if you cannot see children near the road,” Ms McCarthy said.

Students will be at school on Wednesday September 21 and Friday September 23, and school zones will be in place. Drivers are reminded additional penalties can apply for certain offences committed in school zones.

Police urge drivers not to become complacent during the period. They will be targeting all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences.