Major sporting events including the NRL Grand Final, the end of the school holidays, and more people out and about in the warmer weather or heading away for the weekend, will form a ‘perfect storm,’ with large numbers of people on the roads.

With these elements combined and busy roads expected, motorists are urged to be vigilant and plan ahead.

Police will launch Operation Slow Down - a high-visibility traffic operation – to combat the road toll which will start after 12.01am on Friday, October 3 until 11.59pm on Monday, October 6.

Last year seven people died on NSW roads on the Labour Day long weekend, while 4924 drivers were detected speeding and 399 charged with drink-driving.

NSW Police Force, Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn, said the need for vigilance was high this weekend.

“This long weekend marks the start of the busy run up to Christmas and the New Year; families returning from school holidays; as well as major sporting events across Sydney," she said. 

“We expect to see a large increase of motorists taking to the roads to enjoy these events and the warmer weather, however, this always brings an element of risk.

“Speed, tiredness, seatbelts, drink-driving and distraction – combined with more motorists on our roads can be deadly.

“Seven people lost their lives on the long weekend last year, the message is clear: Slow down and remain vigilant to ensure we don’t repeat last year’s deadly weekend."

As part of Operation Slow Down officers will be out in force conducting high-visibility patrols, random drug and alcohol testing, and speed enforcement across the state.

They will be targeting motorists speeding, not wearing seatbelts, drink and drug driving, as well as those fatigued and distracted.

Double demerits will be in force for all speeding, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences throughout this period.