Hunter minister Yasmin Catley urges Easter drivers to slow down as NSW road toll climbs

newy.com.au – Hunter minister and Swansea MP Yasmin Catley has urged motorists to slow down this Easter long weekend as NSW Police ramp up road enforcement amid a rise in fatal crashes across the state.

Operation Easter 2026 is underway and runs until 11.59pm on Monday, April 6, with high-visibility patrols across NSW and double demerits in force for speeding, mobile phone use, seatbelt and helmet offences. Police said 90 people had died on NSW roads so far this year, nine more than at the same time last year.

Catley said the toll was being felt not only by families who lose loved ones, but by officers who attend fatal crashes. “Behind every life lost on the roads is a family left with a lifetime of grief and officers who carry the weight of what they’ve seen long after the sirens stop,” Minister Catley said.

She urged drivers to think carefully before getting behind the wheel. “This Easter, we’re asking drivers to think about the people that matter most to them and slow down, drive to the conditions and make smart choices,” Minister Catley said.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner David Driver said the message from police was simple: “The police message this Easter long weekend is simple – slow down,” Assistant Commissioner Driver said. He said 355 people died on NSW roads last year, almost one death every day, and described the trend as deeply concerning and avoidable.

Motorists have also been urged to plan trips through Live Traffic NSW or the MyJourney NSW trip planner, while dangerous driving can be reported to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.