Police crackdown over Easter

The NSW Premier and the NSW Health Minister have outlined orders under the Public Health Act that state a person must not leave their home without a reasonable excuse.
These rules do not prohibit people from going to the supermarket and pharmacy, going to and from work if you cannot work from home, going to medical appointments, or leaving for some brief exercise in your own neighbourhood.
Operation Tortoise, a state-wide road safety operation over the Easter long weekend, will see officers targeting speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences; all of which will attract double demerit points.
Double demerit points will commence from 12.01am tomorrow (Thursday, April 9) until 11.59pm on Monday, April 13.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott MP, reminded the community that it is not the time to be out on the roads unless it is absolutely necessary.
“Those who are driving on the roads during this long weekend will need to have a good reason to do so, but like always they need to abide by the road rules,” he said.
“Double demerits will be in place and police will be on the roads making sure that the rules are being adhered to.”
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy, reminded members of the public who were undertaking essential travel that the same road rules applied.
“If you do need to leave your home and get behind the wheel of your vehicle, we implore you to slow down, don’t consume alcohol and drive, wear a seatbelt, and put away your phone,” he said.
“These are messages we have always provided and will continue to do so because, quite simply, these are the factors costing lives on our roads.
“So far this year, there have been 88 fatalities on our roads, and we do not want to see that figure increase. Obey the road rules and stay home unless you need to leave – it’s all we ask.”
Anyone with information about dangerous driving behaviours is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.