Motorists are being urged to plan ahead and expect a different holiday experience during the summer months, as police launch their summer-safety campaign.
NSW Police, together with Transport for NSW, have launched Operation Summer Safe, a high-visibility operation to increase community engagement with the public during summer months across regional NSW.
The operation will focus on policing licensed premises, public spaces and entertainment precincts with the intention to decrease anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related violence while also ensuring adherence to current Public Health Orders, increased messaging regarding safety when using our inland waterways and, of course, road safety.
Western Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie APM, said police are ready for the influx of visitors to Western NSW in the coming months.
“Western Region is a playground for holiday goers and recreational hunting enthusiasts during the summer months and we know from previous years that our region’s unique attractions draw in visitors from all over the state,” Comm McKechnie said.
“With that comes increased risks associated with the use of our inland waterways, hunting grounds and rural roads.
“This year the public must also ensure compliance with current Public Health Orders and for us to move through this phase of the pandemic, our communities and visitors to the region need to work with us – not against us.”
NSW Maritime is also applying zero tolerance to boating safety breaches, such as failing to wear or carry lifejackets, speeding, unsafe towing activities and personal watercraft offences.
NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said the approach is aimed at driving down unsafe behaviour and saving lives.
“Boaters should always be aware of on-water conditions and avoid taking unnecessary risks,” he said.
“We want to make sure boaters before heading out checking fuel lines, replacing old batteries, and safety equipment as well as following the relevant boating rules which exist to keep us all safe while on the water,” he said.
Road safety will also be a focus of Operation Summer Safe, with Traffic and Highway Patrol officers to assist police districts with targeting speeding, drink and drug driving, driving while fatigued, mobile phone and other traffic offences.
Operation Summer Safe will be continually running until the end of February 2021.
Driving down unsafe behaviour and saving lives
