NRMA welcomes Operation Vikings 8

The National Roads and Motorists' Association Limited (NRMA) today welcomed the road safety blitz undertaken by the NSW Police Service in southern Sydney last night.

NRMA CEO, Mr Rob Carter, said a visible police presence on roads was one of the strongest ways to discourage motorists from speeding, drink driving or not wearing seatbelts.

"Visible policing in local communities is one of the best weapons we have to reduce the road toll and make our streets safer for all road users," Mr Carter said.

Mr Carter said NRMA had undertaken research of local residents' attitudes in the Sutherland region for a community forum that was held in June.

"NRMA's research revealed that just under half of the 300 Sutherland residents surveyed believed they would not be caught drink driving in their local area," Mr Carter said.

"Visible police enforcement and community education is the best way to combat this dangerous belief - alcohol plays a role in around one in five fatal road crashes.

"Last night's police blitz Operation Vikings 8 breath-tested 730 drivers in the southern suburbs, with five people arrested and charged with drink-driving offences.

"NRMA wants to see more large-scale roadside policing like Operation Vikings 8 in the lead-up to summer to send a clear message to the community: if you drink and drive you will get caught."