Police operations launched across Australia ahead of holidays
Yesterday at 06:03 PM
Motorists should plan their trips these holidays, with authorities in all states and territories kicking off large road policing operations – with a combined focus on reducing fatalities.
Police across the country are launching operations targeting drivers across the holiday period.
Highway Patrol and general duties officers have begun to be deployed to increase police presence on our roads, as state agencies urge drivers to plan their trips and ensure individuals and families get home safely.
The police push comes as the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) released figures showing November 2024 was the deadliest month nationally since 2017 – with 129 people losing their lives last month, adding to the 12-month tally of 1318 road fatalities.
In recent days, Queensland Police Service launched Operation Mistletoe, utilising more than 100 road policing motorcycles – including unmarked ‘covert’ units – to deter and detect unsafe driving and reduce road deaths.
“We know it's a busy time of year with people travelling to visit loved ones or holiday destinations,” QPS Road Policing and Regional Support Command Acting Chief Superintendent Garrath Channells said at the launch of the operation.
“Just remember, from the outback to the beaches, and from Coolangatta to Cape York, we will have police patrolling our roads – you could see them anywhere, anytime.”
New South Wales Police will commence Operation Christmas/New Year 2024 on Friday 20 December 2024, with local units combining forces with officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command to ensure road safety compliance across the country’s most populous state.
“Our traffic enforcement activities seek to ensure all road users get to their destinations safely, and I urge people to consider the potential impacts of irresponsible behaviour – which can change lives forever,” NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Tracy Chapman said.
“The risk of a fine or the loss of demerit points should deter people from breaking the law. However, not putting the lives of others at risk should be the incentive to use our roads safely,” she said.
“We urge people to drive safely, this means not driving while you are tired, taking breaks on long trips, driving to the conditions and not getting behind the wheel if you have been drinking alcohol, have taken illicit drugs or are impaired in any way.”
New South Wales Minister for Roads, John Graham, said people often travel longer distances to see family and friends over the holiday period, dramatically increasing the risk of an accident.
“I'd like to remind everybody, from new to experienced drivers, to be cautious on the road these holidays,” Minister Graham said.
“This includes focusing on rest and taking breaks when needed, avoiding distraction and adhering to the speed limit. Speeding is the biggest killer on NSW roads, contributing to 41 per cent of all fatalities over the past decade.”
Again for 2024, Victoria Police will be conducting Operation Roadwise over the busy holiday period, with a “significant focus” on impaired drivers – with alcohol and drug testing taking place across the state each day.
According to Victoria Police, data shows December as being the worst month for drunk driving offences – with officers conducting more than 300,000 preliminary breath tests and almost 9000 roadside drug tests during 2023’s Operation Roadwise.
“There will be a significant focus on impaired drivers so motorists should expect to be tested anywhere, any time and be prepared to face the consequences if you're caught over the limit,” Victoria Police’s Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said in a statement.
“It's been another devastating year on our roads, and we make no apologies for doing all we can to prevent further serious injuries and deaths.”
Tasmania Police will again run Operation Safe Arrival from Friday 20 December 2024 – running in partnership with the Road Safety Advisory Council’s We’re looking out for you campaign – with speed, distraction, fatigue, impairment, and seatbelt infringements in police crosshairs.
It’s not just police that drivers need to be aware of. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is conducting Operation Omega alongside police from New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania.
“Fatigue remains one of the deadliest risks on our roads – which is why we are doing everything in our power to ensure all road users get home safe this Christmas,” NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto OAM said.
“Officers will conduct roadside checks, inspect logbooks and monitor driving behaviour to identify and prevent fatigue-related incidents occurring.”
“We are partnering with police across the country, increasing our patrols at identified high crash risk areas, during high fatigue risk hours,” Petroccitto said.
Police from South Australia and Western Australia also have road operations launching this week, with increased presence and zero tolerance for unsafe driving.
Motorists travelling in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, and Western Australia are also reminded double demerit points will apply from 20 December 2024 to 1 January 2025.
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