Motorists are reminded to slow down and take care on regional roads on the October long weekend, with double demerit points applying for all speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences.
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More than 1000 traffic and highway patrol command officers and crash investigators will work across the State during Operation Slow Down.
The operation will run from 12.01am on Friday October 4 to 11.59pm on Monday October 7.
NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy cautioned motorists ahead of the busy period.
"With all available highway patrol working closely with our general duty colleagues conducting random breath tests and mobile drug testing along with speed enforcement, those doing the wrong thing will be put off our roads in order to save their lives, and the lives of other road users," Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
During the 2018 Operation Slow Down period, five people were killed in four fatal crashes on NSW roads.
As of midnight on September 25, 275 people had lost their lives on NSW roads, including 180 on country roads. Road deaths are now 12 more than for the same time last year.
Heavy traffic is expected across NSW so motorists are advised to plan their trip and allow extra time. As the long weekend falls in the middle of the school holidays, slower journey times are likely.
Traffic is usually the heaviest between 10am and 5pm, with delays expected:
- On the Pacific Highway in Hexham, Raymond Terrace, Coffs Harbour, Ulmarra and Woodburn
- On the M1 Pacific Motorway in Wyong and Warnervale (near the twin service centres), Beresfield and Tugun
- On the New England Highway in Tarro
- On the M1 Princes Motorway and Princes Highway in Albion Park Rail
- On the Princes Highway in Nowra, Milton, Ulladulla, Batemans Bay and Falls Creek (near Jervis Bay)
- On the Kings Highway in Batemans Bay and Braidwood
- On the Hume Motorway in Pheasants Nest
- On the Great Western Highway, especially around Blackheath, and Bells Line of Road in the Blue Mountains
Extra traffic crews will be monitoring and patrolling these areas to help clear any crashes or breakdowns faster.
Petrol prices commonly come under fire, particularly at holiday time.
According to NRMA, petrol prices in Sydney will hit an 11 year high this week, with the average price of petrol to reach 166 cents per litre.
This won't change until next week.
A slight drop in world oil prices will reduce costs by about 10 cents a litre by the end of the month.
Taking into account median figures from Fuel Check, expect to pay about 146 cents a litre for ethanol 94 E10 and unleaded 91 in the Manning.
Other average prices include 161 cents a litre for premium 95, 169 cents a litre for premium 98, 153 cents a litre for diesel and 156 cents a litre for premium diesel.
In the Great Lakes, median prices are 148 cents a litre for ethanol 94 E10, 151 cents a litre for unleaded 91, 163 cents a litre for premium 95, 168 cents a litre for premium 98, 155 cents a litre for diesel and 162 cents a litre for premium diesel.
Meanwhile, the NSW Rural Fire Service has urged residents who are travelling during the long weekend to check fire conditions and have a plan if threatened by fire.
NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said residents should check weather conditions before they travel and know the fire danger for areas they are planning to visit and travel through.
"With ongoing warm and dry weather, residents and travellers alike need to know what they will do if they are faced with a fire, especially if they are away from home," Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
"Fires can pose incredible danger for those not prepared or unaware of their surroundings, like those camping, on holidays or travelling in unfamiliar areas."
Anyone camping or planning to light a cooking fire is encouraged to take extra precaution.
"Campers should also check if a total fire ban has been declared and on days of severe, extreme or catastrophic fire danger, consider whether trips to fire-prone areas should be postponed," Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
"A further list of rules regarding total fire bans, including the use of barbecues is available on the NSW RFS website."
Don't forget daylight saving comes into effect from 2am on Sunday, October 6. This means clocks are moved forward one hour.
