TRANSPORT authorities are warning drivers headed south on the M1 and west on Nelson Bay Road to expect longer trips as the long weekend winds down.
At noon the NSW Transport Management Centre said southbound trips faced heavy traffic from Morisset to Warnervale on the M1 Pacific Motorway, adding about 30 minutes to travel times.
Westbound traffic was also congested on Nelson Bay Road at Salt Ash, where delays had hit about 15 minutes.
Double demerits remain in place until midnight on Monday, with police out in force as part of their Operation Slow Down blitz on the state's roads.
Speaking at the operation's launch on Thursday Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said speeding, driving under the influence and fatigue were the biggest killers on NSW roads.
"We need all motorists to play their part in keeping our road toll down. Don't take a risk that you may regret for life," Mr Toole said.
"As our clocks tick forward an hour for daylight savings, we're reminding motorists to make sure their kilometres don't tick forward too and if you're planning on watching the Roosters and the Raiders battle it out during the Grand Final, make sure you have a Plan B.
