A four-day traffic operation will be part of the SA Police focus on public safety across the coming long weekend.
With most Australia Day events occurring on Saturday, and the public holiday falling on Monday before the school year resumes, police are aware that many people will choose to head away from home to make the most of the three-day break.
Operation Safe Long Weekend will be a statewide campaign aimed at deterring motorists from engaging in behaviour that contributes to fatal and serious injury crashes.
The operation will run in tandem with a general safety focus by police. In particular police will be highly visible at public events and will be working to deter any anti-social behavior.
"The community can expect to see police out and about over the long weekend – and should factor that in to their plans by considering their own choices, particularly on the roads," said Assistant Commissioner Paul Dickson, today.
"Don't drink and drive, take regular breaks and stick to the speed limit."
"We want everyone to have an enjoyable long weekend, however and wherever they choose to spend it."
A range of public events will take place across the state on Saturday including citizenship ceremonies, official community awards and a free concert and fireworks show in Elder Park in the city.
In the Adelaide central business district road closures will progressive occur from 2.30pm, with the community reminded to plan ahead and use public transport if they are attending the parade. All roads are expected to be reopened by midnight.
Additionally thousands of people head to the metropolitan coast, including the drive-on beaches to Adelaide's south.
A Declared Public Precinct will be in place from Aldinga Beach to Sellicks Beach from 10am to 10pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday – giving police special powers.
The proclamation allows police to conduct metal detector searches, drug detection work, order a person posing a risk to public safety to leave the area or ban such a person from the area. For more information click here.
Southern Expressway signs will be used for the second time to keep motorist informed if the beaches between Moana and Sellicks are full.
Additionally, the community are also reminded of the importance of obeying the laws and regulations around the use of fireworks. Not only can they be dangerous to individuals but they increase the potential for fires inadvertently starting and getting out of control.
Assistant Commissioner Dickson said a diverse range of police officers will be at work to ensure the safety of the community.
"That will include officers from the Licencing Enforcement Branch who will be monitoring licenced premises; foot, bicycle and mobile patrols, and teams from the Dog, Mounted and Water Operations Units," he said.
NOTE: Operation Safe Long Weekend runs from 12.01am on Friday 25 January until midnight on Monday 28 January.
There are special dry zone provisions and alcohol-free regulations at various events, in addition to existing long term dry zones. Police will be enforcing all dry zones, so before you attend a beach or celebration on Australia Day, please check the local council website so you are aware what places are dry zones and what's in place for your event.
