NSW Police have wrapped up the Easter Long Weekend traffic operation with a warning to motorists to remain vigilant and safe on our roads ahead of the ANZAC Day Long weekend.

NSW Police conducted a high-visibility presence across the state during Operation Easter 2025, which saw a significant number of motorists travelling across the state to visit family and friends during the school holidays.

While three people died on NSW roads, four fewer than in 2024, there were no fatalities in the Northern Region of the state from 70 major crashes.

Over three and a half thousand drivers will be feeling the brunt of double demerits after 3,784 infringement notices were issued. The breakdown included:

• Speed infringements: 1,450
• Breath tests: 52,433
• PCA charges: 96
• Positive drug-driving tests: 222

One noticeable incident occurred at about 5.15pm on Friday when police were patrolling the Lindendale area. They attempted to stop a Mercedes-Benz sedan on the Bruxner Highway. When the driver allegedly failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated.

During the pursuit, the sedan allegedly reached speeds of 200km/h before it crashed near Wardell. The driver – a 20-year-old man – was uninjured and arrested at the scene. He was taken to Ballina Police Station, where he was charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive at speed and drive motor vehicle while licence suspended.

The man was granted conditional bail to appear before Lismore Local Court on Wednesday, 21 May 2025.

Acting Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Tara Moriarty, said any life lost on the roads is one too many.

“Three people lost their lives over the weekend - that’s three families now dealing with the unimaginable,” Minister Moriarty said.

“While the majority of drivers are doing the right thing, it only takes a few risky decisions to change lives in an instant. These are preventable tragedies.

“With the ANZAC Day long weekend coming up, I’m encouraging everyone to make safe choices - take your time, stay focused, and do not get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking or taking drugs.

“Police will be out in force again, targeting dangerous driving - speeding, distraction, and impairment. Everyone has a part to play in keeping our roads safe.”

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver, said police would continue to run these operations in order to keep the community safe and target dangerous and irresponsible driving behaviour.

“Sadly, there were three lives lost on NSW roads during the Easter Long Weekend, which is three lives too many, with a number of crashes also resulting in people sustaining critical injuries” Assistant Commissioner Driver said.

“Alarmingly, we continue to detect a high number of drivers testing positive to drugs during roadside testing, and this is not acceptable.

“This is a timely reminder, ahead of the Anzac Day Long Weekend this weekend, to drive responsibly, follow the road rules so everyone can get to their destination safely.”

Double demerit will again be enforced from Thursday, 24 April 2025, until Sunday, 27 April 2025.