Thousands of drivers across New South Wales have been hit with fines and charges during a statewide enforcement blitz over the King’s Birthday long weekend, as police ramped up efforts to curb dangerous behaviour on the roads.
Dylan Anderson
The high-visibility operation targeted speeding, drink and drug driving, mobile phone use, and seatbelt offences, as part of a broader campaign to reduce road trauma.
Alarming Number of Offences
Over 4,000 drivers were issued speeding infringements between Friday and Monday, while 275 motorists were charged with drink driving and another 655 tested positive for drugs. Police were also kept busy responding to 287 major crashes, which left 75 people injured and claimed three lives.
Nearly 400 mobile phone fines were handed out, 221 seatbelt infringements recorded, and over 6,600 other offences were noted, painting a concerning picture of widespread road rule breaches across the state.
Reckless Incidents Around the State
Among the most serious incidents, police pursued a 31-year-old man in a stolen 4WD who crashed through fences in Dunedoo before being arrested. Another driver, 27, led police on a 190km pursuit through the Hunter Region, only stopping after road spikes were deployed.
A 54-year-old man caught in Budgewoi tested positive for drugs, and his passenger was allegedly found with illicit substances, burglary tools, and counterfeit cash. Elsewhere, drivers were nabbed with high-range blood alcohol readings, including one woman in South Grafton who returned a reading of 0.234 and a man in Zetland who blew 0.266 after a crash.
Dylan Anderson
Families at Risk
Several incidents involved children. In Wahroonga, a 44-year-old woman with two minors in the car attempted to evade a roadside test and was later found over the legal limit. Another driver in a Ford Mustang was clocked at 54km/h over the speed limit in Liverpool.
Enforcement and Education to Continue
The King’s Birthday blitz is part of an ongoing effort by NSW authorities to make roads safer. While most drivers did the right thing, the high number of offences indicates that a significant minority continue to engage in dangerous and illegal behaviour.
The campaign serves as a reminder that high-risk behaviour behind the wheel can lead to devastating consequences. Authorities have reiterated the need for all motorists to obey road rules and remain vigilant, particularly during high-traffic periods like long weekends.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and reflects data available at the time of publication.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
