TWEED POLICE will take part in a state-wide operation known as Chrome this weekend in a bid to reduce road trauma and save lives on rural roads.
Operation Chrome is being conducted from today (Friday, May 17) and Saturday, May 18.
The operation will utilise police from all districts within the Northern region, working alongside officers from the Traffic & Highway Patrol Command.
“Police will be targeting poor driving behaviours on rural roads – including speeding, drink and drug-driving, not wearing seatbelts, using a mobile phone behind the wheel and fatigue,” police said in a media statement.
“Drivers and riders should expect to see more police on rural roads and highways over the weekend.”
Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell, Commander of the Northern Region, said reducing rural road trauma is a top priority for the entire region.
“During Operation Chrome, it won’t just be officers from the Traffic & Highway Patrol that will be tasked with keeping everyone safe on our roads,” he said.
“If you are on the road and doing something wrong, you can expect to be stopped by police in an unmarked car, general duties police, or one of our highway patrol officers.
“Our main aim is to stop fatal crashes before they happen. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. If everyone takes personal responsibility for their actions, it will save lives. It’s that simple.”
Chief Inspector Amanda Calder, Northern Region Traffic Tactician said if everyone does their part, the roads will be a safer place.
“Sadly, we have already lost 45 lives on Northern NSW roads this year. Most crashes happen in rural and regional areas, which is why you will see us in numbers this weekend,” she said.
“We make no apologies for taking licences away from anyone who puts themselves and other road users at risk through dangerous driving behaviours.”