Speeding drivers be warned, police will be out in force this weekend.
Drivers are being urged to take extra care on the roads as wet and wintry conditions are expected over the King’s Birthday long weekend.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Police on both sides of the border will be out in force, with Victoria Police running Operation Regal, while NSW Police Force will run Operation King’s Birthday 2026.
The four-day blitz — which runs from 12.01am Friday, June 5, to 11.59pm on Monday, June 8 — will see officers in both states focus on speeding, distraction and impaired driving, as well as fatigue.
There have been 109 lives lost on Victorian roads in 2026, and while this is trending down compared to last year, police are pleading with motorists to avoid being complacent over the coming weeks.
With winter having begun this week, police are urging motorists to take extra care and pay attention behind the wheel, particularly with reduced daylight hours and wet weather impacting road visibility and conditions.
A total of 63 lives were lost on Victorian roads between during winter (June to August) last year, including 15 pedestrians and 12 motorcyclists.
Victorian Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Mick Hermans said with the cold, wet start to winter, challenging conditions such as slippery roads and poor visibility increased the likelihood of a collision.
“We’re expecting these conditions to continue into the weekend, so if you’re out and about over the King’s Birthday, please take extra care on the roads and be sure to drive to the conditions — particularly if there is rain, ice or snow to contend with,’’ he said.
“Last winter we saw significant spikes in road trauma, particularly involving vulnerable road users like pedestrians and motorcyclists.’’
Police in NSW and Victoria will be out in force this King’s Birthday long weekend.
Photo by
Julia Gomina
There have been 156 lives lost on NSW roads this year, which is 11 more than the same time last year.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner David Driver said the community had now been warned that officers would be out in force in an effort to protect motorists across the weekend.
“Speeding remains the highest cause of road fatalities, and we are again asking every driver to take responsibility and slow down this long weekend,” he said.
“Higher speeds reduce the time drivers have to respond, increase the distance needed to stop, and significantly worsen the severity of any crash.
“If you’re travelling this weekend, give yourself time, drive to the conditions, and don’t take risks.”
Double demerits will be in place for speeding, mobile phone use, seatbelt and helmet offences during the King’s Birthday long weekend.
Members of the public are urged to report motorists engaged in dangerous driving to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
17°C