‘Think about consequences’: police

NSW Police have urged motorists to consider the possible consequences of their actions when driving after three people were killed on the state’s roads over the long weekend.

In the western region, which includes Gunnedah, police issued 464 speed infringements, conducted 19,178 breath tests which resulted in 29 PCA offences. A further 55 positive roadside drug tests were recorded, 24 major crashes and one fatality – a 27-year-old man who died in a two-vehicle crash on Bingara Road, Bundarra on Saturday.

In the statewide Operation Labour Day, police officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were assisted by general duties police from commands across the state over the long weekend, targeting speeding, drink and drug driving, mobile phone use, and other traffic offences.

During the operation, police issued a total of 11,080 Traffic Infringement Notices, with 3823 issued for speeding, and a further 287 were issued for mobile phone usage. 248 people were charged for drink driving offences, and 444 returned a positive result after roadside drug tests.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden, said although the long weekend operation is over, families continue to travel around the state throughout the school holiday period and are urged to plan their trips.

“Sadly, we have lost three lives during this traffic operation – three too many. Despite the operation concluding, I’m still urging drivers to be careful on our roads and follow the rules,” Assistant Commissioner McFadden said.

“Our officers have seen far too many drivers this long weekend driving dangerously and putting other motorists at risk, and it needs to stop.

“Think about the consequences before you get behind the wheel and consider how your actions can affect other road users. Police will continue to target these drivers who engage in speeding, drink driving or other driving offences.”