Demerits will not be doubled this October long weekend but NSW's police minister said this was "in no way" a green light for drivers to break the road rules or Public Health Order.
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Police will be conducting its October long weekend high visibility road operation between Friday and Monday but the customary double demerits will be suspended for the duration "to give people a break".
"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," the NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David 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.
"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."
Police are reminding motorists to slow down and stay safe across the long weekend, particularly in regional areas where travel is now allowed.
Residents who live in regional or rural areas that are not subject to stay-at-home restrictions can travel to other areas not under stay-at-home restrictions.
However, rising COVID-19 case numbers in the past week saw stay-at-home orders reintroduced in Muswellbrook late on Tuesday.
Muswellbrook residents must stay at home across the long weekend unless it is for an essential reason which includes shopping for food, medical care, getting vaccinated, compassionate needs, exercise and work or tertiary education if you can't work or study at home.
Hunter residents cannot travel into Muswellbrook.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty, said police will be focused on regional areas not under stay-at-home orders, where more cars are expected on the road.
"Police still have the power to fine, charge or suspend the licence of any driver breaking the road rules and endangering lives," he said.
"This long weekend, we'll be targeting drink, drug, distracted and dangerous driving, speeding, and driving while tired, among other offences, across NSW - especially in regional areas where travel is permitted.
"As always, our focus remains the safety of the community across the state. We want all road users to return home to their loved ones."
Assistant Commissioner Hegarty said police will monitor travel in and out of regional areas, including random checks on people leaving Greater Sydney and other areas under stay-at-home orders to ensure they have a permit to do so.
