With holiday traffic about to flood our roads the NSW Government is urging motorists to re-think their driving behaviour with the launch of its latest enforcement campaign titled ‘stop it or cop it’.
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Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey and Minister for Police Troy Grant this week launched the campaign designed to deter motorists from taking risks and encourage them to take greater responsibility for their on-road actions.
The launch came on the heels of the commencement of Operation Safe Arrival, which will run through until January 2.
Mrs Pavey said at a time when most of us look forward to enjoying time with friends and family, we need to prioritise safety, be vigilant, follow the road rules and drive to the conditions.
“So far this year 367 people have been killed and thousands more seriously injured on NSW roads. That’s 367 people who will not be home for Christmas,” she said.
“While we don’t want to have to charge people, if you choose to put yourself or others at risk by breaking the road rules or being reckless, you will face the penalties.”
Mr Grant said motorists are continuing to take risks, regardless of some of the longest and most intense high-visibility police operations NSW has ever seen.
“There will be more police tackling risky behaviour on our roads this Christmas as part of Operation Safe Arrival and the message to motorists is clear - you’re responsible for your own actions.
“You can either stop it or cop it.
“Police will be targeting motorists who are speeding, drink and drug driving, illegally using mobile phones and not wearing a seatbelt - all of which continue to be the leading causes of fatalities and serious injuries on our roads.
“We all need to make smart decisions on the road and remember that our actions affect other road users who just want to get to their holiday destinations safely this Christmas.”
Commander of the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy, said road users need to take personal responsibility for their actions to arrive home safely for the holidays
"Police are focused on one thing, and that is getting you to and from your holiday destinations safely," he said.
"This may involve giving those that are taking risks on our roads an infringement notice for a traffic offence, or being charged and put before the courts.
The Stop it or Cop it campaign is funded by the NSW Community Road Safety Fund, which invests speed, red light and mobile camera fines back into road safety initiatives such as safer roads, police enforcement, education campaigns and the development of safer vehicles and technologies.
