Double demerits came into force at midnight last night, meaning you can lose your licence on the spot for any speeding or seatbelt offences.

Operation Tortoise is a five-day police blitz on the highways and regional thoroughfares and officers maintain every police car will be out on patrol.

“Police are targeting offences relating to fatigue, speed, seatbelts, using phones, drink-driving and anything else that may cause a distraction to drivers,” Oxley highway patrol Senior Sergeant Peter McMenamin said.

“We will have maximum staffing on for this period.”

Police are bracing for extra travellers, with the Easter long weekend coinciding with school holidays and a short week next week.

“We’re expecting it to be bigger, and all of the main travel days are pretty much covered by the double-demerit operation,” Senior Sergeant McMenamin said.

“We have a high-visibility presence and taskings to keep road users safe and ensure everyone can arrive safely.”

Police are urging drivers to be prepared, patient and drive to the conditions in order to enjoy a safe and a happy Easter.

The Western region is down on the number of fatal accidents this year, but across the state the road toll is up by 18 deaths since January 1.

“It’s all going to depend on driver behaviour and attitude,” Senior Sergeant McMenamin said in response to attending fatal accidents.

“If everyone abides by the rules and does the right thing, we can achieve that.”

Operation Tortoise wraps up at midnight on Monday, but drivers are warned to be alert, with Operation Go Slow – another double-demerit blitz – kicking off next Wednesday, ahead of the Anzac Day long weekend.