It was “concerning” that 15 people have been charged with drink driving and 32 others for drug driving on the Kings Highway between the ACT border and Batemans Bay this year, said NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Insp Will Collins.

Insp Collins, speaking at the Kings Highway Road Safety Partnership event, said there had been one fatal crash and 15 injury crashes on the highway so far this year.

“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.”

As cross-border traffic increases during the busy summer period, the Kings Highway Road Safety Partnership, which aims to reduce road trauma on the highway, is encouraging drivers to drive safely.

ACT Insp Mark Steel 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.”

“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.”

The Kings Highway Road Safety Partnership was formed in 2008 and includes representatives from ACT and NSW police, the Eurobodalla Shire Council, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council, NSW Transport, and the ACT government.