Emma Pritchard

Statistics released by the Coffs/Clarence Police District have revealed Clarence Valley motorists were generally well behaved on the roads between December 24 and January 3 while double demerits were enforced.

A total of 533 speeding fines were issued, an increase of 64 from the same period in 2021, 12 drink driving detections were recorded, down from 31 last year, and 23 drug offences involving drivers were recorded.

An additional 361 tickets were issued for other offences.

Grafton Police also revealed 6663 Random Breath Tests (RBTs) were recorded in the Coffs/Clarence area during Operation Christmas/New Year.

Thankfully, there were no fatalities recorded in the northern region of the state.

Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the NSW Government’s priority is to continue to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on NSW roads.

“One death is one too many and we will continue to do everything in our power to keep people safe on our roads, through enforcement and education,” he said.

Across the state, police issued 8414 speed infringements, laid 580 drink driving charges, attended 624 major crashes, and conducted 230366 breath tests.

Sadly, 5 people lost their lives in crashes over the period, the same number during the operation last year.

In 2021, 269 people lost their lives on NSW roads, compared to 283 the previous year.

Police are continuing to target speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences throughout the school holidays.

Motorists are also being urged to remain vigilant and to comply with the road rules.