This week, ACT Policing joined with members of the Kings Highway Road Safety Partnership to take a break and encourage drivers to do the same.
Members of the Partnership gathered at the ACT/NSW border near Bungendore to mark the start of the Kings Highway Road Safety Partnership summer campaign. The campaign urges drivers to plan their journey and take regular breaks while travelling between Canberra and the South Coast this summer.
“Our message to drivers is to plan your trip. Make sure you’re well rested, your car is in good condition, leave yourself plenty of time and plan a few breaks along the way,” said partnership member, Heidi Hanes from the Eurobodalla Shire Council.
“The Kings Highway sees an influx of vehicles over the holiday period, with many holiday makers towing caravans and boats; this can sometimes make it a slow trip down the Clyde Mountain. The Partnership urges drivers to be patient and take into account the holiday traffic when planning your journey.”
“There are so many great picnic spots and scenic look outs along the way, as well as local shops, cafés and restaurants to enjoy. Break your trip up by planning a few stops along the way,” Mrs Hanes said.
ACT Policing and NSW Police Force work closely to provide a coordinated approach to traffic enforcement on the Kings Highway and will actively target dangerous driving behaviours this summer.
“Speed remains the number one killer on our roads and we still see far too many people speeding on the Kings Highway. Last summer on the Kings Highway 368 drivers were issued with speeding infringements during the December – January campaign period,” Sergeant Dominic Goodyer of the Cooma Monaro LAC said.
“Don’t rush, stop and take a break, the consequences are not worth it. We want you to get to your destination safely and enjoy the summer break with your family and friends,” Sgt Goodyer said.
“Ultimately, we want everyone to have a great holiday and come home safe. Police will do our part by targeting dangerous drivers, but everyone has a part to play. Drive to the conditions, don’t speed, be patient in traffic and take regular breaks,” ACT Policing Traffic Operations Station Sergeant Susan Ball said.
The Kings Highway Road Safety Partnership formed eight years ago with members from Eurobodalla, Palerang, Shoalhaven and Queanbeyan shire councils, ACT Policing, NSW Police, the NRMA Road Safety Trust, Roads and Maritime Services and the ACT Government Justice and Community Safety Directorate with the aim of reducing road trauma on the Kings Highway.