Manning-Great Lakes Chief Inspector Christine George has confirmed police will be out in full force across all public gatherings and events such as fireworks displays at Taree’s Queen Elizabeth Park as well as John Wright Park in Tuncurry.

Police will be monitoring any consumption of alcohol in free zones and targeting anti-social behaviour displayed by members of the public. Chief Inspector George is remaining adamant that anyone deemed to be behaving in an anti-social way will be approached by police. 

Not just concerned for public safety, Chief Inspector George has a simple message for motorists over the holiday season.

“Don’t speed if you don’t want to lose your licence.”

Police will be ramping up random breath testing across the region over the holiday period.

Operation Safe arrival has been in effect from December 16 and won’t finish until midnight January 3.

The operation encourages road users to think about the #Five2Arrive before travelling: don’t speed, don’t drink and drive, wear a seatbelt, put your phone away and take regular breaks.

This means double demerit points are still in effect for New Year celebrations.

NSW Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy said he is concerned the message is not getting across to road users.

“People need to take responsibility for their own actions and realise that dangerous behaviour on the roads can have fatal consequences,” Commissioner Corboy said.