The NSW Police Force’s Operation Safe Arrival commenced on December 21 and and concluded on January 2, with Narromine Police Sergeant Michel Smith praising motorists for driving to the law. 

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The 12-day police operation saw double demerit points in place for speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences.

In the Orana Mid-Western Police District, which includes Narromine, Dubbo, Mudgee, Wellington, Gilgandra, Coonabarabran, Coonamble and Warren, 174 people were caught speeding and police issued 14 infringements for drivers or passengers who were not wearing a seatbelt.

In addition, a further 127 infringements were issued to motorists for a range of offences (other than speeding).

Overall in the Western region 35,254 breath tests were conducted, with 7248 in the Orana Mid-Western Police District.

A total of 899 people were caught speeding in the Western region, 74 people were caught not wearing a seatbelt and 821 people were issued infringements for a range of other offences. 

Sergeant Smith said it had been a very successful operation by NSW Police with infringement notices and fatalities down compared to 2017.

“Overall we are very happy with the behaviour of people on the road over this period,” Sergeant Smith said.

“There were no serious accidents, no serious injury so well done to the drivers.”

“We undertook a large number of breath tests over the 12-day operation and we only had two low range drink driving readings, which were linked to the Macquarie Picnic races in Trangie.”

“We did detect other drivers for offences such as unlicensed drivers and driving whilst disqualified, and those drivers are being placed before the court.”

Sergeant Smith is still reminding people to take the same level of care on the roads, and that the next traffic operation Safe Return will be in place between January 25 and February 2.

“We’re still on holidays and particularly toward the end of January we will have people coming back from holidays, so we are reminding people to take the same level of care on the road.”