Easter double demerits: Tamworth drivers warned to obey the road rules as flood-damaged roads add extra risk

Double demerits are in play from 12:01am Thursday through to Monday, and Oxley and New England police have extra boots on the ground to ensure drivers do the right thing.

Speeding offences, drink and drug driving, mobile phone use and a lack of restraints and helmets will be watched closely by police, North-West Peel Sector Highway Patrol Acting Inspector Dave Bramble said.

"There will be plenty of RBT and RDT units out working, we have extended shift times and maximum staff on the ground during the double demerit period in the Oxley and New England districts," he said.

"With COVID people weren't able to go away last year so we expect it to be a lot busier this year.

"We'll have a low tolerance to anyone committing traffic offences, we want drivers to arrive safely and be considerate of others."

Recent flooding has wreaked havoc on the regions roads and police remind drivers to only make necessary trips and plan well in advance.

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The Oxley Highway between Walcha and Yarris as well as the Waterfall Way remain closed due to significant damage caused by landslips.

Officers will also be targeting other high-risk driver behaviour, including the four d's: drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving.

Police Minister David Elliott said there is no excuse for bad behaviour on the roads during the holiday period.

"Many communities throughout the state are still dealing with the effects of devastating flooding and it is important nobody adds to the heartache," Mr Elliott said.

"Double-demerit points are in force for a reason and police officers will be stationed across NSW targeting high-risk behaviour."

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