NSW Police launched their road safety campaign Operation Merrett over the Easter long weekend.

In a bid to keep the road toll as low as possible, the campaign utilised an “unorthodox” and “proactive” approach to keeping motorists safe.

However, police say they did not find driver conduct particularly pleasing over the Easter period.

“There are 6,244 people that we’ve pulled over for speeding. That is a significant number,” says Chief Inspector Phil Brooks.

“This is quite an indicator that people are either in too much of a hurry to get to their destination or to get home.”

Though disappointed that the campaign did not see a lower number of infringements issued, the Chief Inspector emphasised the benefits of road safety campaigns like Operation Merrett.

“Double demerits give us the opportunity to speak quite loudly about what the key elements are for serious injury and fatal crashes on our roads. It’s those factors that are sadly costing lives on the NSW road network.”

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