Shellharbour Council and Lake Illawarra Highway Patrol are warning drivers to behave on the city’s roads during holiday demerit periods.

Shellharbour Acting Mayor John Murray said Council supported the NSW Police ‘Operation Stay Safe Double Demerits - Enforcement' road safety campaign to encourage safe driver behaviour on our roads.

“The campaign reminds drivers and riders that during double demerit periods, the consequences for breaking the road rules are more severe,” Cr Murray said.

“The entire highway patrol fleet will be out to enforce road safety so pay attention to what’s going on around you, don’t drive tired, be a considerate driver and please slow down.”

In Shellharbour, over the past five years there were 1170 crashes. Of these, 275 (30%) were either injured or killed. In 2017 alone, there were 56 people killed or injured on our roads. This is about 40% of the total number (140) of crashes recorded.

Double demerit point periods for Christmas/New Year 2018 and Australia Day 2019:

• Christmas / New Year - Friday 21 December to Tuesday 1 January inclusive.
• Australia Day - Friday 25th January to Monday 28th January 2019 inclusive.

Overview

The demerit point system provides an incentive for drivers to improve driving behaviour, obey road rules and comply with NSW traffic laws. The double demerit point scheme applies for the following types of offences:

• Speeding
• Illegal use of mobile phones
• Not wearing a seatbelt
• Riding without a helmet

For more information on demerit point offences visit Roads and Maritime Services.

Media enquiries: Kelli Wells 0448 361 008 or 4221 6038.