Police Monitor Motorists Heading To The Far South Coast
As Part Of Operation Safe Arrival

Police from southern NSW will remain out in force as Operation Safe Arrival comes to an end on Friday 7th January, 2005.

With January being the busiest time of year for tourists heading to Batemans Bay, police are maintaining a high presence on all major roads leading to the far south coast.

Police will target areas including Braidwood, Clyde Mountain, as far south as Eden and as far north as Kiama.

Southern Region Traffic Co-ordinator Senior Sergeant Mick Timms said as part of Operation Safe Arrival, police will continue efforts to prevent any major road incidents, especially for tourists unfamiliar with the areas they’re driving in.

“The Princes and Kings Highways are of major concern this holiday period. Since 1st January 2004, 19 fatalities have occurred on the Princes Hwy and 7 on the Kings.”

“We are not out ruin someone’s day, if you’re pulled over it’s because you have broken the rules or someone has complained about the way you're driving.”

“We know you are in holiday mode and here to enjoy the area and its sights, however we are asking motorists to pay attention to the road, so the holidays can be enjoyed by all,” said Snr Sgt Timms.

Traffic Support Group Commander Senior Sergeant Dave Chandler said the reason we are here is to reduce the number of families facing heartache this summer who lose loved ones in accidents.

“Motorists need to remain aware of the changes in speed limits and weather conditions, particularly on Clyde Mountain, where a change can blow in rather quickly,” said Snr Sgt Chandler

“We are also asking holiday-makers to be patient on the road, especially if caught behind a caravan or large vehicle travelling slowly.”

“Its better to arrive later to your destination, than to force an opportunity to overtake that might be risky,” said Snr Sgt Chandler.

No Fatalities Reported For Day 14

The NSW Christmas/New Year holiday road toll remains at 15 for Operation Safe Arrival, with no fatal crashes reported on day 14.

As Operation Safe Arrival came to a close at 11.59pm on Friday 7th January, police reminded motorists to slow down, wear seat belts and don’t drink and drive and to take regular rest breaks.

Traffic Services Commander, Chief Superintendent John Hartley said he was concerned about the number of drivers who get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.

“Despite all the publicity about the state’s fatal accidents this holiday period, we have still caught more than 1,300 drivers over the limit. They place themselves and, more importantly, other road users at risk of being injured or killed,” Supt Hartley said.

“One driver being questioned by police following a collision said he had ‘too many beers to count’.

“We are asking people to think about the consequences of their actions.”

“Police will remain out in force to detect drink-drivers, and you can be sure, if you get behind the wheel while over the limit, you will be caught,” said Supt Hartley.

Since Operation Safe Arrival began at 12.01am on Friday 24th December, police have charged 1,317 motorists for drink-driving, compared with 1,687 the same time last year. There have been 13,711 traffic infringement notices issued (not speeding) and 19,540 drivers charged for speeding offences.

Examples of dangerous behaviour on the road during Day 14 (Thursday 6th January 2005) of Operation Safe Arrival include:

· At 3pm Brisbane Waters Highway Patrol officers detected a driver on the F3 Freeway at Somersby allegedly driving at 176 km/h . The vehicle was stopped and a 53-year-old man from Haberfield was breath tested. He allegedly returned a reading of 0.120. The man was charged with driving at a speed dangerous and mid-range PCA.