For those who are lucky enough to have holidays over the Christmas/New Year period and are hitting the road to visit family and friends or just to get away, the message from police is loud and clear, be patient and stay safe on the roads.

Inspector Dearne Jeffree from the Far North Highway Patrol said Double Demerit points are in play now until 11:59pm on January 1 2024.

"Currently, a high visibility traffic campaign is underway across all roads in New South Wales starting from the 22nd of December, which is today, running until the first of January 2024. During this period, there will be double demerits enforced for speeding, mobile phones, seatbelts and motorcycle offences."

"Our officers will be conducting active enforcement targeting dangerous behaviours including the four Ds, which include drug, drink, distraction, and dangerous driving offences."

"We will be out there in force on motorways, highways, local and rural roads. Whilst we appreciate this time of year, there'll be thousands of extra motorists on our roadways. We are urging all motorists to take extra time to arrive safely. Show some patience and show some tolerance."

Inspector Jeffree said this is a 24-hour operation and is one of the biggest campaigns of the year.

Unfortunately, the North Coast does not have a favourable traffic record compared to other areas in NSW.

"Tweed/Byron is number one in the state currently for 2023 for alcohol-related crashes and Richmond is currently sitting at number three. So, that's why we're actively out enforcing road rules, targeting licensed premises."

"For offences, speeding is our number one offence in our local area and that is one of the targets of this operation. Active enforcement, zero tolerance on speeding."

The number of car crash fatalities in NSW is higher than in 2022 which is the same for the Richmond Police District.

"Unfortunately for 2023 year to date, we're currently sitting at 350 fatals on New South Wales roads, 80 above 2022. Locally, we are above what we were last year, and even closer to home in the Richmond Police District since November we have experienced six (6) fatals on local roads," Inspector Jeffree explained.

"Of those six fatalities in Richmond, four of those were aged 18 and younger, which is alarming to us. We noted that they were excessive speed. Excessive speed on local rural roads seemed to be the current causal factor for those (crashes)."

"So, please slow down. You're not invincible. The roads can change and do change. Please slow down and arrive safely."

"Fatal accidents impact, not just the local family, but the community as a whole. We're a small community, so one death affects the first responders, who have to deal with the scene and have to deal with the family and at this time of year when all families come together to celebrate each other, they are one less."

"It's absolutely devastating for families and the community and emergency services as a whole."