Operation Slowdown: Tamworth and region drivers cop double demerits in long weekend blitz, one man tragically loses life

It seems not even the threat of double demerits was enough to deter drivers from bad behaviour.

It's not just disappointing, road accidents can tragically end in death, Peel Highway Patrol Sector Acting Inspector David Bramble said.

"We had a 31-year-old male motorcycle rider from Narrabri who apparently swerved to miss an object on the road on Saturday and in doing so lost control of the motorcycle which tipped on its side," he said.

"He was run over by a vehicle coming in the opposite direction, he sustained serious injuries and passed away at the scene."

Operation Slowdown saw police out in force as part of a high-visibility deployment to try to reduce death tolls on the roads at the long weekend.

But, by 11am on Monday there had already been five drink-drivers, five drug-drivers detected and 12 people caught driving without a licence.

A learner driver had their license suspended for three months in South Tamworth on Saturday night when they were pulled over for a random breath test and found to be driving unaccompanied.

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In Glen Innes a 41-year-old woman was stopped due to the manner of her driving and was found to have been disqualified from driving to 2022 and blew high-range, she will face court at a future date.

All up, New England and Oxley Police District highway patrols clocked 206 people speeding on the region's roads, which shows the message is not getting through, Acting Inspector Bramble said.

"It is disappointing, a lot of people don't get the message, take the risk and there's a high chance you will be caught," he said.

"So don't do it, and have a plan B."

Operation Slowdown ended at 11:59pm on Monday, and figures did not include general duties police who also conduct random breath tests.