AN elderly man hit by a car at Coledale yesterday has become the first fatality on NSW roads during the Easter road operation.

The 74-year-old man walking south along the footpath on Lawrence Hargrave Drive at Coledale with his wife about 6pm on Thursday. He started walking across the road at a marked pedestrian crossing when he was struck by a Ford Falcon which was travelling south. His wife had already made it across the road safely.

The man suffered head and leg injuries and was taken to Wollongong Hospital. He died several hours later from the injuries sustained.

The 58-year-old driver of the Falcon underwent mandatory blood and urine tests. Lawrence Hargrave Drive was closed for several hours following the crash.

Police continue to be out in force with Operation Tortoise which began on Thursday with double demerit points for speeding, seatbelt and helmet offences enforced from Thursday and concluding on Monday.

On day one of the operation, police issued 1,499 traffic infringement notices, including 658 for speeding. Police conducted 30,030 breath tests with 10 people charged with drink driving offences.

Superintendent David Evans of Traffic and Highway Patrol Command has reminded motorists that police will remain out in force throughout the long weekend.

“Police will be out there playing their part to keep the roads safe this holiday period. However it’s the responsibility of individual drivers which will determine whether they reach their destination in one piece,” Superintendent Evans said.