TRAFFIC is reported to be heavy on major Illawarra Roads this evening as holiday-makers return home after an extra-long weekend.

The annual Easter traffic blitz, ‘Operation Tortoise’, concludes at midnight, and officers will continue to patrol roads and major highways to ensure drivers are obeying the road rules.

Superintendent Dave Evans from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command said motorists needed to ensure they remained patient and drove to the road conditions.

“Drivers need to remain extra vigilant on the roads as the holiday weekend draws to a close, with a large number of people expected to start their journeys home today.

“People need to ensure they are well rested before starting out, but when on the roads need to drive to the road conditions and remain patient with other drivers as well as in traffic.

“Highway Patrol officers are out their ensuring drivers have listened to our warnings, but the most important thing is that drivers and families arrive home safely and in one piece,” Superintendent Evans said.