Motorists hitting the road across the Anzac Day long weekend are being urged to drive carefully, as some states enforce double demerit point penalties.
With many people have taken extra time off work to make the most of Anzac Day landing on a Tuesday in 2023, roads are expected to be busy across the four days.
Here’s the states imposing specific penalties:
New South Wales
New South Wales Police will launch Operation Anzac Day 2023 at 12.01am on Friday, with double demerit points in place until 11.59pm on Tuesday.
It comes as more than 5000 speed infringements were issued, and 326 PCA charges laid across the state during the Easter long weekend in April.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Tracy Chapman, said police will be targeting high-risk behaviours such as excessive speed, alcohol and drug driving offences, illegal use of mobile phones and not wearing seatbelts.
“The goal is preventing injury and death,” she said.
“Tragically this year, 109 people have died on NSW roads – a concerning increase of 12 deaths compared to this time last year.
“Fatigue is a major contributor to road crashes, but police cannot take action against fatigue in the same way we would enforce something like speeding, so we have to rely on the public to do the right thing.
“A split-second’s inattention caused by fatigue can be catastrophic, so we urge drivers to plan their trips carefully, take regular breaks, and never get behind the wheel if they feel too tired to drive.
“We remain committed to ensuring public safety over the Anzac Day weekend, and we’re asking all motorists to do their part as well – especially as we expect more cars on our roads with school holidays coming to an end.”
Police Minister Yasmin Catley has urged anyone planning to drive to local Dawn Services and other commemorative events to do so safely.
“Anzac Day is about honouring our wonderful armed forces and veterans, so we want everyone to arrive safely,” Minister Catley said.
“In the spirit of Anzac Day, let’s show camaraderie and look out for each other on our roads by slowing down, driving to the conditions, being patient, and not driving under the influence.”
Drivers are urged to check Live Traffic NSW App for road closures and delays.
Victoria
Victoria Police will be launching Operation Tribute from 12.01am on Friday in the wake of two fatal motorcycle crashes on Victorian roads on Wednesday.
With many schools having a curriculum day and the industrial sector taking a rostered day off on Anzac Day eve, police are expecting traffic volumes akin to a long weekend.
Assistant Commissioner of road policing, Glenn Weir, said police will be targeting speed and impaired driving across the weekend.
“Anzac Day is another high-risk period on our roads, so police will be out during this time doing all we can to prevent road trauma,” he said.
“In addition to targeting speeding motorists, we’ll also be focusing on impaired drivers, as we tend to see a spike in drink driving detections around Anzac Day.
“There is no excuse for getting behind the wheel while you’re alcohol or drug affected.”
Meanwhile, more than 30,000 people are expected to attend the Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance and the Anzac Day Parade along St Kilda Road and Swanston Street on Tuesday 25 April.
Free shuttle buses will be in service to transport people along 12 Melbourne routes, including several RSLs, to ensure they arrive at the Shrine before the 6am ceremony.
Each metropolitan train line will also run an early service to get people into the city for the Dawn Service, and extra trams will run along St Kilda Road to ensure people can travel straight to the Shrine.
A number of free regional buses will also transport people in Mt Macedon to and from local Anzac Day services.
An extra 36 train services and 23 trams services will also be made available for the AFL match between Collingwood and Essendon at the MCG and the NRL game at AAMI Park.
Acting Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne encouraged people to use the free public transport options where possible.
“We’re ensuring Victorians can pay their respects on this important day and honour those who have served our country,” Ms Horne said.
“These free buses will transport people to and from the Dawn Service, with extra train and tram services also available to connect those attending Anzac Day sporting events.”
Western Australia
Double demerit points will not be applied in Western Australia over the Anzac Day long weekend.
Originally published as Police roll out extra patrols on Aussie roads across Anzac Day weekend
Source: News