Andrew Constance med rel - Motorists urged to Stop it or Cop it this holiday period

In the lead-up to the busiest time of year on the State’s roads, Member for Bega Andrew Constance is today urging motorists to re-think their on-road behaviour with the launch of the NSW Government’s latest enforcement campaign: Stop it…Or cop it.                                                                                           

Designed to deter motorists from taking risks and encourage them to take greater responsibility for their on-road behaviour, the new campaign comes as the State’s largest high visibility road safety Police Operation: Safe Arrival, gets underway from midnight tonight.

Mr Constance said motorists are continuing to take risks, regardless of some of the longest and most intense high-visibility police operations NSW has ever seen.

“At a time when most of us look forward to enjoying time with friends and family, we need to prioritise safety, be vigilant, follow the road rules and drive to the conditions,” Mr Constance said.

“I ask every one of you to think about whether you want to be the cause of someone not getting home for Christmas or being the one that doesn’t make it home; is it worth the risk.

“While we don’t want to have to charge people, however if you choose to put yourself or others at risk by breaking the road rules or being reckless, you will face the penalties.”

“Whether your speeding, drink or drug driving, using your mobile phone or not wearing a seat belt, just know you will be caught, you will be fined and you will cop whatever penalty suits your crime,” Mr Constance said.

Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Melinda Pavey said people across NSW should enjoy the holidays but urged both drivers and passengers to play their part in making sure everyone has a ‘Safe Arrival’ at their destination.

“The silly season isn’t an excuse to be silly. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and have a nap, share the driving, make sure you have a Plan B and always wear a seatbelt – it could save your life,” Mrs Pavey said.

Minister for Police Troy Grant said there will be more police tackling risky behaviour on our roads this Christmas as part of Operation Safe Arrival and the message to motorists is clear - you’re responsible for your own actions, you can either Stop it…Or cop it.”

Operation Safe Arrival and the Stop it…or Cop it campaign are funded by the NSW Community Road Safety Fund, which invests speed, red light and mobile camera fines back into road safety initiatives such as safer roads, police enforcement, education campaigns and the development of safer vehicles and technologies.

Operation Safe Arrival will begin from midnight tonight and will run through until Monday 1 January 2018 (inclusive).