Police across the north-west are ramping up patrols for the Recreation Day long weekend to ensure the “influx of holidaymakers does not compromise road safety”.
Inspector Adam Spencer of Western Road Policing Services said officers will be out in force with the primary goal of ensuring everyone has a safe and enjoyable long weekend.
“We will be intensifying our patrols and focusing on high-risk areas.” he said.
“We will have an increased presence in rural areas and camping sites, where the combination of unfamiliar roads and increased traffic can pose significant risks.”
Spencer warned that police will be carrying out random breath and drug tests throughout the weekend and promised “swift action” against lawbreakers.
“As a police officer, one of the hardest parts of the job is telling a family that their loved one has been killed in a road crash,” he said.
“We aim to prevent crashes before they occur rather than dealing with the aftermath.”
“Accordingly, we make no apologies for showing zero tolerance when it comes to unacceptable driver behaviour.”
He urged drivers who do choose to drink or use drugs to not get behind the wheel.
“We want everyone to enjoy their long weekend, but we also want them to return home safely,” he said.
