Police, Government and local border councils from the ACT and NSW are urging drivers to slow down and pay attention while travelling on the Kings Highway this summer.
The Kings Highway Road Safety Partnership was formed in 2008 and includes representatives from ACT Policing, NSW Police Force, Eurobodalla Shire Council, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council, NSW Transport, and the ACT Government, with the aim of reducing road trauma on the Kings Highway.
“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,” said ACT Policing Detective Inspector Mark Steel.
“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.”
NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Inspector Will Collins said it was concerning to see a number of drivers driving distracted or impaired, following one fatal crash and 15 injury crashes on the stretch so far this year.
“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.”
“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.”
“Since 2019, 10 people have lost their lives on the Kings Highway. Everyone deserves to arrive at their destination safely and celebrate the holiday period with their loved ones.”
ACT Member of the Legislative Assembly, Taimus Werner-Gibbings said road safety had to be everyone’s top priority, whether planning 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. 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,” said Mr Werner-Gibbings.
“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.”
