Police out in force for Operation Saturation

BY JARROD MELMETH

Hunter Traffic and Highway patrol officers will commence a state-wide operation tomorrow to target road users putting themselves and others at risk.

Operation Saturation - part of Operation Towards Zero - begins tomorrow and concludes on 27 November 2016 and comes at a time when the states road toll has reached 342 deaths so far this year.

The high visibility crack down will be focusing on speeding, illegal mobile phone use, seatbelt and helmet compliance, driver fatigue and drink and drug driving, with officers engaging with road users to raise their awareness and educate them on the risks of irresponsible road use.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Acting Commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy says the responsibility of reducing road trauma lies with every person using the road.

"Drivers, riders, cyclists, passengers and pedestrians all have to play a part in assisting us to bring this tragic and avoidable loss of life to an end." he said.

"We will ensure that anyone caught taking risks, or risking the lives of others, will be stopped and dealt with according to the law."

So far this year, 342 people have died on NSW roads, 32 more than the same time last year.

Photo source: NSW Police

Hunter Police Launch Motorcycle Blitz

BY IAN CROUCH

Police will launch a major campaign in a bid to cut the high road toll amongst motor bike riders in the Hunter.

Nine motorcyclists have lost their lives so far this year on the region's roads, with 6 of those fatalities occurring in the 11 weeks since August 12.

Operation Silverstone starts today and runs until March 1 next year targeting popular motorcycle routes including Putty Road and Wollombi Road.

Police will use unmarked cars and Polair aircrasft to keep an eye on all motorcyclists in the Central Hunter, Hunter Valley and Lake Macquarie Local Area Commands.

Photo: motorbikewriter.com

Hunter's Road Toll Continues To Climb

BY IAN CROUCH

 A report is being prepared for the Coroner after a fatal smash at Nelsons Plains.

Residents on Seaham Road her a loud impact just before 2.30 yesterday morning and called emergency services.

They found a Toyota utility had slammed into a power pole near the intersection of Noongah Road.

The sole male occupant died on impact.

It took several hours to recover the man's body.

The latest fatality takes the Hunter's 2016 road toll to 41.

Another Life Lost On The Hunter's Roads

BY IAN CROUCH

 The Hunter's road toll has risen to 28 for the year after yet another fatal crash overnight, this time at Bobs Farm.

Police say a silver Holden Commodore was travelling north on Nelson Bay Road just after midnight when ran out of control and slammed into a light pole.

The driver, a man believed to be aged in his 30's, was the only occupant and died at the scene.

He is yet to be formally identified.

Police set up a crime scene as investigations into the cause of the crash continue.

Anyone who witnessed the accident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.