With this year’s road toll climbing well above last year’s record low of 386, motorists can expect a formidable police presence on the roads to address the concerning rise in fatal crashes.

The operation will begin at 12.01am on Thursday and run until 11.59pm on Saturday.

With alcohol impairment proven to be a leading cause of fatal crashes, the operation will target drink-driving offences as well as other irresponsible driving behaviour in the lead up to the busy Christmas and New Year driving season.

Commander of Traffic Services Branch, Assistant Commissioner John Hartley, said drivers needed to be responsible for their actions when getting behind the wheel.

“There are no excuses. A car can be a deadly weapon and people who drive when drunk risk the lives of not only themselves but other road-users,” Assistant Commissioner Hartley said.

“It is an extraordinarily selfish thing to do, you are risking your own safety and that of others.”

During last year’s operation, police conducted 111,423 breath tests with 469 charges laid for drink-driving offences.

“The message is clear, Assistant Commissioner Hartley said.

"There is nowhere to hide from us if you plan to drink and drive. Driving whilst drunk is a crime and if you do it, you’re a criminal. You will be locked up."