Irresponsible driving behaviour remains a major concern for police after more than 1,000 offences were detected in school zones and nearly 900 drivers were fined for mobile phone use in less than 24 hours, NSW Police say.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, working alongside Local Area Command Officers, targeted high-risk road users yesterday during Operation Compliance 3.
Throughout Wednesday, yesterday, officers focused on drivers not wearing seat belts, using mobile phones, school zone offences and vehicle compliance.
Assistant Commissioner John Hartley, Commander of the state’s Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, said it was high-risk behaviour that was costing lives on our roads.
"Our officers had to issue 2,771 infringements in a single day for abysmal driver behaviour, which clearly suggests some road users lack the common sense or responsibility to do the right thing," Assistant Commissioner Hartley said.
"We know that seat belts save lives, so those identified for not wearing a seat belt will hopefully learn this valuable lesson.
"Despite rule changes in 2012 allowing mobile phones to be used in cradles and via bluetooth in vehicle technology, 894 have still been identified for having the phone up to their ear, or looking down sending a text or post. This shows a complete lack of appreciation for other road users," Assistant Commissioner Hartley said.
"To have 1,041 identified committing traffic offences in school zones shows a complete lack of respect for children, their parents and siblings, teachers and school staff, which is just not good enough."
Officers also issued 520 infringements for defective vehicles, a major concern for all road users.
So far this year, 246 people have died on the state’s roads, 44 more than this time last year.
"With 124 drivers & 34 passengers, 37 motorcycle riders, two cyclists, and 49 pedestrians having lost their lives so far this year, we all need to share the road safely."
As a result of the operation, officers issued a total of 2,771 infringements, which included;
316 infringements for drivers not wearing seat belts;
894 infringements for drivers using a mobile phone while driving;
1,041 infringements for school zone offences;
520 infringements for non-compliant vehicles.
