Delays Expected on Northern NSW Roads for Christmas

Delays on your Christmas road trip are inevitable, and police are encouraging drivers travelling to the state’s far north to factor extra time into Christmas road trip planning.

Operation Safe Arrival gets underway from 12:01am on Friday, concluding at 11:59pm on Tuesday 1 January 2019.

Double demerits will be in force throughout the period.

10 people lost their lives on Northern NSW roads during the operations last year.

Far North Region Traffic Tactician, Inspector Peter McMenamin said police would focus on main and back roads leading to key coastal areas such as Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Port Macquarie, Taree/Foster and the Gold Coast.

“In particular I would like to encourage our overseas visitors to take some time and get to know our road rules and the laws surrounding drink driving", Insp McMenamin said.

“What we want to do is combat the belief that you can have a few drinks in a small community and not be pulled over for a RBT”.

Insp McMenamin said delays on long journeys are inevitable and people should factor additional time into their planning process.

“When people were impatient they sometimes took risks in their vehicles that placed them, and their loved ones, more at risk of being in a crash".