New South Wales drivers are being urged to plan ahead and exercise patience as a major police operation coincides with the start of the summer holiday exodus. A statewide traffic enforcement blitz, coupled with double demerit penalties, begins this week, with authorities warning of significant delays at known congestion hotspots across the state.
Double Demerit Period and Police Operation
The heightened enforcement period, where demerit points are doubled for specific offences, commences on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, and runs through to Sunday, January 4, 2026. This 12-day crackdown will target speeding, seatbelt and mobile phone offences, as well as riding without a helmet.
The operation aligns with the start of the NSW school holidays, which began on Monday, December 22, and continue until Monday, January 26, 2026. Transport for NSW executive director Rob Austin has called for driver caution during this busy period.
"We want everyone to arrive safely wherever they are going over the summer holidays," Mr Austin said. "Please prepare before you go, slow down and take extra care on the roads." He indicated that the busiest days for holiday traffic are expected around Christmas, New Year's Eve, and the first and second of January.
Major South Coast Traffic Pinch Points
For holidaymakers travelling to and from the South Coast, several sections of the Princes Highway are predicted to experience heavy congestion. Transport authorities have identified multiple pinch points south of Bomaderry where delays are common.
Key locations include Nowra, the Jervis Bay Road turn-off, Tomerong, Milton, Ulladulla, and Moruya. Motorists could face hold-ups of up to 30 minutes in these areas on specific days.
Predicted major delays include:
- Southbound traffic at Milton on Saturday, December 27, and Friday, January 2.
- Southbound traffic at Moruya on Saturday, December 27.
- Northbound traffic at Ulladulla on Friday, January 2.
Congestion Hotspots for Northbound and Westbound Travel
Those heading north from Sydney are warned to expect lengthy delays on the M1 Pacific Motorway. A stretch from Wahroonga to Gosford could see delays of around 45 minutes, with Friday, December 26, tipped to be the busiest day.
Further north, the Pacific Highway at Hexham is a known bottleneck for northbound traffic, with potential 30-minute delays on December 27 and 28. Motorists travelling through Coffs Harbour may also encounter northbound delays of 20 to 30 minutes, particularly on December 22, 23, 27, and 28.
For drivers heading west, the Great Western Highway towards Lithgow is likely to experience delays of about 20 minutes. The busiest periods are forecast from December 27 to 30, and again on January 2.
Planning Your Holiday Journey
Authorities strongly recommend that drivers plan their trips carefully to minimise frustration and ensure safety. The combination of increased traffic volumes and a strong police presence means that patience and preparation are essential.
Detailed information on predicted delays and known holiday traffic pinch points is available on the official NSW Holiday and Journey planning website. Drivers are also encouraged to use the NSW Pinch Point Journey Planner to avoid the busiest travel times and to download the Live Traffic NSW app for real-time updates on incidents and disruptions.
With double demerits in force and roads expected to be at peak capacity, the message from NSW authorities is clear: plan ahead, allow extra time, and prioritise safe driving to ensure a smooth start to the holiday season.
