Four people were killed and almost 250 people were booked for drink driving during Operation Stay Alert, which took place from June 9 to June 12.

Double demerits were in force for speeding, mobile phone use, seatbelt and helmet offences throughout the period but despite the strong focus on deterring unsafe driver behaviour, road users continued to face the consequences of poor decisions and dangerous attitudes.

Men aged 78, 60, 42 and 36 were killed in separate crashes across NSW – causing police to plead with motorists to drive to road and weather conditions and avoid unnecessary risks.

Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy of the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command said he was saddened to see more lives had been lost on the state’s roads.

“Fatalities affect a whole community. It never gets any easier telling someone their loved one won’t be returning home,” he said.

More than 159,000 breath tests were carried out across the state, with 247 charged for drink driving offences. At least two such charges took place in the Highlands, with two drivers to face court after alleged positive results.

A 27-year-old man was given a roadside breath test in Argyle Street, Robertson while a 48-year-old was tested on Moss Vale Road, Moss Vale.

Both men returned positive readings and were given court attendance notices to appear at Moss Vale Local Court.

Hume Local Area Commander Acting Superintendent Andrew Koutsoufis, commander, said while speeding and alcohol offences had taken place in the Highlands, it appeared the majority were by people from out of town.

“One positive thing we can draw from that is the message appears to be getting through to our local drivers,” he said.

“The vast majority of people caught during this time were from other regions, but anyone lacking responsibility while driving continues to pose a threat to everyone on our roads.”

He said police would continue to patrol regional and country roads as part of the ongoing Operation Chrome, with the aim to reduce road deaths and injuries in more rural areas of the command.