Police to embark on road blitz to cut the death toll

Motorists across the Great Southern can expect an increased police presence on the roads over the long Queen’s Birthday long weekend in an effort to prevent road fatalities.

Drivers will be subject to double demerit points for all infringements starting at midnight tonight through to midnight on Monday.

The Statewide operation will have a predominately regional focus as the road toll on regional roads continues to climb.

The toll on regional roads for 2016 is now at 82 deaths, with 19 of those fatalities happening on Great Southern roads.

These numbers come as deaths on metropolitan roads are at record lows, with 48 deaths recorded as of September 13.

The increased police activity across the region and State will continue during the school holidays, which continue after the long weekend until Sunday, October 9.

Katanning police Senior Sergeant Simon Underwood said the operation would target all unsafe road behaviour, including alcohol and drug impairment, speeding, mobile phone use, seatbelts and licences.

Sen. Sgt Underwood said police would play an active role to ensure road safety this weekend and would be placing an emphasis on the causal factors in serious and fatal crashes.

“Every police car is a potential alcohol and drug testing vehicle,” he said.

“We want our community to enjoy their holiday but most importantly we want them to return home safe.”