Police issue double demerit reminder ahead of Australia Day

ACT Policing is reminding drivers to watch their speed and obey the road rules ahead of the Australia Day double demerit period.

Double demerits will be in place from 12.00am Friday, 22 January to 11.59pm Tuesday 26 January, 2021.

During this period, all speeding, seatbelt, and mobile phone offences attract double demerit points, as does riding without a helmet. All other traffic offences will incur one additional demerit point.

Officer in Charge of Road Policing, Acting Inspector Nathan Macklin said he expected to see an increase of vehicles on Canberra’s highways this weekend given the easing of travel restrictions.

“With the ongoing and ever-changing situation with COVID-19, for many this weekend will be the first time they’ve been able to get away from Canberra in some months,” Acting Inspector Macklin said.

“As such, roads in and out of Canberra are expected to be busy, almost certainly busier than usual.

“But whether you are travelling interstate, or simply travelling in and around the ACT over the next few days, road safety remains the responsibility of all road users.

“We want everyone to use our roads safely and respectfully.

“If you are travelling out of the ACT, I’d ask people to take their time getting to their destination, to take regular breaks, and to remain patient if you do encounter traffic congestion.

“I’d also encourage drivers to watch their speed, and ask themselves Who are you rushing to meet?”

“If you think driving a few kilometres an hour over the speed limit is OK, you’re wrong. This can greatly increase your chances of having a collision, and can make a collision significantly worse if you have one.”

NOTE FOR MEDIA: Broadcast quality video grabs of Acting Inspector Nathan Macklin available for download from Hightail. This link will expire in seven days.

Media enquiries

Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au