NSW Police scrap double demerit points for October long weekend

A longstanding tradition will be scrapped this October long weekend with police announcing double demerit points will not be imposed for breaking road rules.

NSW Police Minister David Elliott said the decision was made to give weary people a break during lockdown.

However, he warned police would still be out in force and drivers doing the wrong thing would be caught.

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"It's been a long, tough COVID-blighted year in NSW and the long weekend marks a point in this journey where we can see the finishing line," Mr Elliott said.

"Stay-at-home orders continue to apply to much of NSW, so the only people on the roads in lockdown areas should be those with a reasonable excuse.

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"This is in no way a green light for drivers to break the rules – and Traffic and Highway Patrol officers will be out in force as usual – but this weekend we won't be doubling-up the demerits.

"I urge all drivers out on NSW roads this coming weekend to take care while driving, obey the road rules and directions of police, and stay safe," Mr Elliott said.

NSW Police Commissioner Michael Fuller said drivers doing the wrong thing would still have the usual amount of demerit points taken off them.

"Drivers who break the rules will be stopped and fined, and will still get demerit points off their licence, but it will not be the twice the number of demerits. Stick to the speed limit, put your phone down and observe the road rules."

The NSW Police Force's October long weekend road traffic campaign will begin 12.01am this Friday 1 October 2021 and finish up at 12.59pm on Monday 4 October 2021.