Police are urging racegoers to plan their trip ahead of time and travel safely on the roads as they make their way to Mount Panorama for the annual Bathurst 1000 championship event, NSW Police say.
A high-visibility policing operation will be in place from Thursday 5 October to Sunday 8 October 2017, for the much-anticipated Supercars Australia event, the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000.
General duties officers from Chifley Local Area Command and across Western Region, assisted by specialist officers, will focus on road safety as well as anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related violence.
Western Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie, urged motorists making their way to the event to make smart decisions to avoid putting themselves and other road users, at risk.
"Police will be out in force targeting speeding, drink-driving, mobile phone and seat-belt offences," Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.
"We are expecting more than 200,000 visitors to Bathurst this weekend, so we’re urging motorists to drive to the conditions and allow extra travel time as there will be delays, particularly on the Great Western Highway and Bells Line of Road.
"While crowd behaviour at the Bathurst 1000 has improved in recent years, there’s no excuse for poor conduct and dangerous antics," Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.
During last year’s operation, police conducted more than 4400 random breath tests and charged four drivers with drink-driving. Officers also issued 410 Traffic Infringement Notices (TINs), including 264 for speeding offences.
"I’d like to remind all motorists to leave the racing to the professionals and start the weekend off on a good note," Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.
"Expect to see Traffic and Highway Patrol officers conducting random breath tests as well as roadside drug testing, and the targeting of unsafe driver behaviour, to make sure everyone arrives at their destination safely."
For all special event traffic information, including road closures, special event clearways and live traffic reports, visit: www.livetraffic.com
"Our priority this weekend is to deliver a safe and family-friendly event for everyone to enjoy, while minimising any impact on the local community," Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.
"We’ve been working closely with Supercars Australia, Bathurst Regional Council, private security, and other agencies to make sure the 2017 event is memorable for all the right reasons.
"We will be maintaining a highly-visible presence in the local area and anyone caught causing trouble or breaking the law will be dealt with swiftly," Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.
Centre for Road Safety Executive Director, Bernard Carlon, said it was important that everyone driving to and from Bathurst drive to the conditions and travel safely.
"The decisions you make when you get behind the wheel don’t just affect you – your driving can have an impact on the lives of every other motorist, cyclist, rider or pedestrian you come into contact with," Mr Carlon said.
"Speeding, drink driving, fatigue and not wearing a seatbelt remain the four biggest killers on our roads.
"Make sure you drive carefully, stick to the speed limit and buckle up.
"Don’t drive if you’re tired and plan ahead to avoid driving if you’ve been drinking during the event. If there’s even a slight risk you’re over the limit – don’t risk it, delay your trip until it’s safe," Mr Carlon said.
Further information about the event, including venue maps, transport and parking availability, can be found at: http://www.supercars.com/bathurst1000/
