BACK roads are on the radar for Albury Police during its annual Christmas and New Year road-safety campaign.
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Operation Safe Arrival began at 12.01am today with the main focus on speeding, drink-driving, restraints and fatigue.
The statewide blitz has put the entire NSW highway patrol fleet on the road in a bid to reduce accidents during the festive season.
Sgt Matt Zemaitis of Albury Highway Patrol said police won’t just be targeting the main roads.
“We will have all cars and all staff working right the way through the holiday period targeting main roads as well as back roads,” Sgt Zemaitis said.
“Our aim and objective is to heighten public awareness.
“We are asking road users to take care to enable them to get to their destination and spend Christmas with family and friends safely.”
Double demerits will be in place for speeding, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences over the course of the operation, which runs until Sunday, January 4.
Police will be working around the clock and are asking all motorists to contribute to the road safety effort.
Sgt Zemaitis said drivers should ensure all occupants were properly restrained and those planning to drink alcohol should have an alternative means of getting home.
“We will have a high visibility presence to reduce the road trauma, and the injury and fatal toll on our roads,” Sgt Zemaitis said.
“We will also be observing driver behaviour; we are asking drivers to plan trips, take regular breaks, obey speed limits and drive to road conditions.”