Stationary testing posts for drivers who are drug or alcohol affected are being re-introduced across the Hunter ahead of the June long-weekend, with double demerits coming into force on Friday.
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NSW Police and the Berejiklian government announced on Wednesday that roadside RTBs and drug tests would resume across the state this week, after they were shelved in March because of possible health risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Double demerits for speeding, drink-driving, drug-driving and seatbelt offences will apply from Friday to Monday inclusive.
Northern region commander Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell said that while police would be keeping an eye on licensed venues over the long-weekend, the the region's roads would also be a major focus.
"With the lifting of restrictions on people being able to move around the state, we expect our roads to be far busier than what we have found over recent months," he said. "Of course with that comes the concern about increased fatalities, particularly alcohol-related fatalities."
Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said this week that senior traffic police across the region had told him speeding offences had been "an ongoing concern" even while the coronavirus lock-down was in place.
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"It is a time for everyone to take check ... [and] make sure we all follow the road rules. Particularly with licensed venues being open we don't want to see a spike in alcohol-related offences either - driving our cars [over the legal limit] and so forth," he said.
NSW police minister David Elliott said the winding back of restrictions on licensed venues and travel to regional areas meant proactive drug and alcohol testing of drivers needed to return.
"With the easing of restrictions on travel and going out to support restaurants and pubs ahead of the Queen's Birthday long weekend, the community is understandably itching to return to some form of normalcy," he said.
"Irresponsible or reckless behaviour that endangers others will not be tolerated - there's no excuse for not abiding by the road rules."
