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Police to crack down on drivers in 2-day blitz on Friday and Saturday

May 16, 2019

BATHURST, Central West, NSW, Australia – Central West and the wider Western Region roads will be heavily patrolled this weekend, in a bid to address an alarming road toll which has already taken many lives.

Thirty-three people have been killed on Western NSW roads just this year, many of those in the Central West.

Operation Chrome will not be restricted to the Western Region, it is a state-wide operation targeting the Western, Southern and Northern regions.

The crackdown will be in force on Friday and Saturday, and will utilise police from all districts within the Western region, working alongside officers from the Traffic & Highway Patrol Command.

Police will be targeting poor driving behaviours on country roads – including speeding, drink and drug-driving, not wearing seatbelts, using a mobile phone behind the wheel and fatigue.

Drivers and riders should expect to see more police on country roads and highways over the weekend.

Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie, Commander of the Western 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.”

“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,” Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.

Inspector Jason Bush, Western Region Traffic Tactician said, “If everyone does their part, the roads will be a safer place.”

“Sadly, we have already lost 33 lives on Western NSW roads this year. Most crashes happen in rural and regional areas, which is why you will see us in numbers this weekend.”

“We make no apologies for taking licences away from anyone who puts themselves and other road users at risk through dangerous driving behaviours,” Inspector Bush said.

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