NSW Police will use number plate recognition to enforce social distancing rules over Easter, after people were warned not to go away for the long weekend.
Number plates will be scanned to determine who is travelling without a valid reason and breaching the ban on travel.
“We will be using all of our powers and all of our technology to try and identify those people who shouldn’t be in NSW,” said Police Commissioner Mick Fuller on Wednesday.
“Those who are driving on the roads during this long weekend will need to have a good reason to do so, but like always they need to abide by the road rules.”
Police will also patrol caravan parks, highways and country roads to catch anyone who might be going away for the long weekend.
“We will be going through caravan parks early, issuing warnings to people that may think they can get around these laws,” he added.
“People will be given one opportunity to pack up, go back to your home state and go back home. Otherwise, we will, unfortunately, have to issue tickets.”
People who break these rules could be slapped with a $1,000 on-the-spot fine. This week alone, police have fined 15 individuals for being in public without a valid reason.
Under NSW’s lockdown restrictions only shopping, going to work or school, exercising and receiving medical treatment are considered valid excuses for leaving the house.
“Stay home. Don’t travel. Don’t go away. We can’t let up now,” said Prime Minister Scott Morrison earlier on Wednesday.
As usual, double demerit points will also be applied over the holiday weekend.
