Western Australian police are launching a major crackdown on reckless drivers, promising a zero-tolerance approach as the annual Christmas double demerit period gets underway. The heightened enforcement campaign begins on December 19 and runs through to midnight on January 4.
Double Demerits and a Deadly Year on WA Roads
During this critical period, drivers will face severe penalties for breaking the law. Offences will attract double the usual demerit points, meaning motorists could lose up to eight points for mobile phone use, up to 10 points for impaired driving, and a staggering up to 14 points for speeding. Those caught driving under the influence also risk heavy fines and immediate licence disqualification.
The tough stance comes as WA confronts a grim milestone on its roads. The state is experiencing its equal deadliest year since 2016, with 178 lives lost since January 1. This tragic figure matches last year's toll at the same point, a year that ended with 188 fatalities, 23 of which occurred in December alone.
Police Presence Ramped Up Across Key Corridors
To enforce the rules and prevent further tragedy, police will significantly increase their visibility across the state. Road Policing Command Commander Mike Peters stated that while officers will be deployed widely, a particular focus will be on a 400km 'arc of influence' around Perth. This high-risk zone stretches south to Bunbury, east to Merredin, and north to Lancelin.
Commander Peters was unequivocal about the police strategy. "We'll be taking a very zero tolerance approach to speed, impairment, seat belts and distraction," he said. He urged drivers to educate themselves on the dangers, stating, "if you don't understand the impacts of speed, go and jump on Google and have a look."
A Call for Personal Responsibility This Festive Season
Road Safety and Police Minister Reece Whitby echoed the call for caution, acknowledging the unique pressures of the holiday period. "I know Christmas, it's a time of joy, a time of a lot of activity, there'll be people driving on country roads long distances distracted with other thoughts," Minister Whitby said.
He emphasised that the ultimate responsibility rests with the driver. "Your main concern, in fact, your only concern when you are behind the wheel... is getting you and your family safely to your destination and then back home again," he urged.
The summer crackdown has already begun, with a recent operation in Northbridge over the weekend setting a worrying precedent. From 6,000 tests, police identified 35 impaired drivers – 31 over the alcohol limit and four for drug use. About half of those caught drink-driving recorded a blood alcohol concentration over 0.08.
Commander Peters issued a stern warning to those considering flouting the law. "There were 31 people that thought that they could flout the law on Saturday night, they'll now spend Christmas without a licence," he said. He stressed that every impaired driver poses an unacceptable risk to the community, reminding everyone that road trauma "happens to real people."
