Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that double demerit point period will be in place for four days, commencing on Friday 8 June and ending on Monday 11 June (inclusive).

“Friday 8 June is a publicly notified school day, therefore double demerit points will apply to all relevant school zone offences committed on that day.

“Since their introduction in 1997, double demerit points have proven to be a successful deterrent to unsafe driving behaviours and reducing the road toll on holiday periods when the roads are at their busiest.

“I ask all drivers to remain vigilant over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend. We all have a part to play in reducing the amount of crashes and risks. Remember to slow down, schedule plenty of breaks during your trip, limit distractions in the car, don’t drink and drive and ensure all your passengers are wearing their seatbelts,” Ms Suitor said.

Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Dearne Jeffree said Operation Stay Alert, the annual state wide high-visibility traffic enforcement operation, will run over the June long weekend.

“Double demerit points apply to all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmets offences over the four day period. Officers will also be targeting dangerous driving behaviours such as drink-driving and fatigue.

“Highway Patrol will have a strong presence across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas this long weekend. We want everybody to make the most of their time off and enjoy the company of their friends and family, but we want everyone to do travel safely,” Sergeant Jeffree said.