Traffic warning as holiday season gets underway

POLICE are out in force on Illawarra roads to ensure motorists get to their destination safely this Christmas.
Increased traffic is expected on major thoroughfares as people travel to popular holiday spots.

Motorists can expect an increased police presence on the roads with officers targeting speeding, drink-driving, seatbelt and other traffic offences.

The operation commenced on Friday and will conclude at 11.59pm on Friday January 4.

The NSW holiday toll is at one, following the death of an 82-year-old woman, when her vehicle hit a power pole on Clarence Town Road at Brandy Hill on Friday.

Police have so far conducted 38,168 breath tests and charged 18 motorists with drink-driving offences since Friday.

During the same period last year, 41,976 tests were conducted with 83 charges laid. Police caught 979 motorists speeding (down from 1080 last year) and issued 1686 infringements for other traffic offences (down from 1838 last year).

Double demerit points will be in place from 12.01am yesterday (Friday) until 11.59pm on Tuesday January 11 for speeding, seatbelt and helmet offences.

Meanwhile Wollongong Police would like to remind shoppers during the festive season to ensure property is not left unattended or wallets or handbags placed in trolleys. When shopping do not take parcels back to your vehicle as a thief may take that opportunity to enter your vehicle and remove your purchases. If you are in a car park and observe some acting suspicious please contact local police immediately.