Major speeding incidents on the Mid North Coast

THREE lives were lost on New South Wales roads during the October long weekend.

NSW Police’s Operation Labour Day 2025 commenced at 12.01am on Friday 3 October and concluded at 11.59pm on Monday 6 October.

The high-visibility operation saw police across the state targeting drink and drug driving, fatigue, mobile phone use, speeding and seat belt and helmet offences, with double demerits in place for the duration of the four-day operation.

Across the state, police issued 11,389 Traffic Infringement Notices, including 4,026 for speed related offences, 302 for mobile phone usage, and 174 seatbelt/helmet related offences.

Police conducted more than 214,906 breath tests, with 300 drink driving offences and conducted 11,283 drug tests with 724 drug driving offences detected, with 285 major crashes reported.

Since Wednesday 1 January 2025, 277 people have been killed on NSW roads.

Over this long weekend three people lost their lives – all of which occurred in northern NSW.

Acting Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Ryan Park said still too many lives are being lost to recklessness on our roads.

“Three people lost their lives over the weekend, not because of bad luck, but because of bad decisions taken on our roads,” Minister Park said.

“These crashes aren’t accidents, they’re preventable. Every time someone speeds, looks at their phone or drives under the influence, they’re putting lives on the line.

“As we head into one of the busiest times of year on our roads, the message couldn’t be clearer.

“Slow down, pay attention and never drive if you’ve been drinking or taking drugs.”

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver APM said even one incident that sees road users putting lives in danger is one too many.

“Officers this weekend saw several incidents of drink and drug driving, speeding, and not following the road rules and it’s devastating that families are now mourning the loss of loved ones.

“While most drivers are doing the right thing, we are disappointed that we continue to see people choosing to put themselves and other road users in danger.

“While this traffic operation has concluded, drivers can always expect to see police out on our roads, and we will continue to target dangerous driving to ensure the safety of our communities.”
Incidents of note include:

● About 10.10pm on Saturday 4 October, officers attached to Coffs Harbour Highway Patrol allegedly detected a vehicle travelling on the Pacific Highway, Dirty Creek, at 183kph in a 110kph zone. The 19-year-old male driver was issued a court attendance notice to appear at Coffs Harbour Local Court on Tuesday 2 December 2025. It will also be alleged that the vehicle was not displaying P plates. The driver was issued a $330 fine for not displaying P plates. He was also issued a licence suspension notice.

● About 10:25am on Sunday, 5 October, officers attached to Grafton Highway Patrol stopped a 17-year-old girl allegedly travelling at 157kmh in a 110kmh zone along the Pacific Highway, Pillar Valley. She was issued a $3,054 infringement and a six-month licence suspension notice.

● About 4pm on Sunday 5 October, officers from Mid North Coast Highway Patrol stopped a 40-year-old man on Lighthouse Road, Port Macquarie for a random breath test where he allegedly returned a reading of 0.241. He was charged with High Range PCA – 2nd offence. His licence was also suspended.