Police from both sides of the NSW/ACT border have urged motorists to take extra care on a notorious stretch of road this summer period. Photo: ACT Policing.
Grim statistics for the Kings Highway has prompted ACT and NSW police to urge drivers to take extra care as they travel over the summer holidays.
One person has died along the stretch already this year and there have also been 15 crashes resulting in injuries.
Ten people have lost their lives on the Kings Highway since 2019.
ACT Policing Detective Inspector Mark Steel said everyone would be keen to get their holidays under way, but if you chose to drive dangerously, you ran the risk of not getting to your destination at all.
“There will be increased traffic on the highway so drive to the conditions, slow down and be patient. As police and members of the community, we want this holiday period to be fatality free,” he said.
“Please avoid the fatal five driving behaviours, ensure you’re rested and not under the influence before you take off on your trip. Wear your seatbelts, don’t drive distracted and don’t speed.”
NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Inspector Will Collins added that it was concerning to see the amount of motorists driving distracted or impaired along the Kings Highway.
“Since the start of 2025 we have charged 15 people for drink driving and 32 people driving under the influence of drugs on the Kings Highway between the ACT border and Batemans Bay,” he said.
“We know thousands of people will be travelling over the Christmas period and NSW Police is imploring drivers to heed the warnings, don’t drive distracted, don’t put yourself, your family and others on the road at risk.
“Everyone deserves to arrive at their destination safely and celebrate the holiday period with their loved ones.”
Cross-border traffic increases during the summer period and there are also several known pinch points along the South Coast.
Transport for NSW has advised the busiest pinch points are on the Princes Highway south of Bomaderry, which include Nowra, Jervis Bay Road, Tomerong, Milton, Ulladulla and Moruya.
The busiest pinch points, with predicted delays of up to 30 minutes, are:
- Southbound at Milton on Saturday 27 December and Friday 2 January
- Southbound at Moruya on Saturday 27 December
- Northbound at Ulladulla on Friday 2 January
ACT Member of the Legislative Assembly Taimus Werner-Gibbings had several tips to improve road safety, whether you’re driving for a family getaway, a camping trip with friends, or a weekend escape.
“Everyone knows there are more motorists on the road in summer, and many Canberrans will be going down the coast on the Kings Highway,” he said.
“If every motorist slows down, puts the phone away, avoids unsafe overtaking, drives to the conditions and rests when tired, then every family on the road is safer.
“If you’re towing a caravan or campervan, remember to check your tyres, towing capacity and caravan weight and make sure your tow hitch, safety chains and lights are correctly attached and in working order.”
Double demerits for speeding, motorcycle helmet, seatbelt and mobile phone offences will be in place from Wednesday, 24 December 2025, to Sunday, 4 January 2026.
Original Article published by Claire Fenwicke on Region Canberra.
