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 cyclists on ride of their lives on overpass

HUNTER cyclists are calling on better safety provisions on the New England Highway, as they struggle to navigate a 10 cenimetre shoulder of the Tarro railway overpass.

The link has been improved since a fatal crash killed 57 year-old WALLSEND cyclist Neil Smith last August, but those who regularly use the road say it's the bridge itself, not the approach that needs fixing.

The Roads and Maritime Services have installed "rumble strips" on the fog lines, reduced the speed limit to 80km/h and posted large fluorescent signs promoting awareness of cyclists.

Soil and grass has been removed from the edge of the road to increase the usable shoulder.The RMS have not ruled out building a sperate bridge.

Bernard Hockings from the Newcastle Cycleway said the solution wouldn't have to be so drastic. "Find an off-road route for cyclists because even with a wider shoulder you're still looking at 20 tonne vechiles going along at 100km/h, a metre away from a bicyle," he said.