A 24 hour police road safety operation on Tasmania’s road rules begins at midnight tonight (1-July).

After a month long education campaign on social media and radio developed with the Road Safety Advisory Council, Operation Zero is entering an enforcement stage.

“This is a back-to-basics operation. Drivers who take risks on the road like using mobile phones, running red lights, not indicating or obeying road signs, are more likely to cause or be involved in a crash,” said Assistant Commissioner, Donna Adams.

More than 270 officers have been rostered for traffic road safety duties from midnight. Police recruits are joining officers from across Tasmania Police for Operation Zero.

“Most crashes in Tasmania occur on lower speed urban roads. Only a degree of luck stands between a minor crash with minor injuries and a serious crash with devastating consequences,” said Ms Adams.

In 2013, the streets with the highest number of crashes were Macquarie Street, Davey Street and Brooker Avenue. In Launceston, Wellington and Brisbane Streets had the most crashes.   William Street, Devonport and Wilson Street in Burnie also had a high number of crashes.

“In addition to reminding drivers of the road rules through our campaign, we’ve asked them about the dangerous and risky driving behaviours they encounter and we’ve taken that onboard,” said Ms Adams.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, so we’re also asking that people report the details of risky drivers to police on 131 444.

“Road safety is a priority for Tasmania Police 365 days a year. Drivers are well aware of the dangers of speeding and Operation Zero is an opportunity to remind them they need to follow all the road rules, all the time,” said Ms Adams.

“Zero traffic offences, Zero Tragedy.”