The customary double-demerits process has been suspended for the October long weekend to give people a break, but motorists are warned this is not an excuse to break the rules.

"It's been a long, tough COVID-blighted year in NSW and the long weekend marks a point in this journey where we can see the finishing line," said Ministor for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott.

In other news:

"Stay-at-home orders continue to apply to much of NSW, so the only people on the roads in lockdown areas should be those with a reasonable excuse.

"This is in no way a green light for drivers to break the rules - and Traffic and Highway Patrol officers will be out in force as usual - but this weekend we won't be doubling-up the demerits."

Operation October Long Weekend 2021 starts at 12.01am Friday, October 1 and concludes at 11.59pm on Monday, October 4.

Stay-at-home rules apply to everyone living or staying in the City of Maitland Local government area.

It is essential that all drivers planning on travelling in NSW this long weekend comply with the existing Public Health Orders. More information can be found at: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty, said police will be targeting motorists breaking the law across the state.

"Police still have the power to fine, charge or suspend the licence of any driver breaking the road rules and endangering lives.

"This long weekend, we'll be targeting drink, drug, distracted and dangerous driving, speeding, and driving while tired, among other offences, across NSW - especially in regional areas where travel is permitted.

"As always, our focus remains the safety of the community across the state. We want all road users to return home to their loved ones," Assistant Commissioner Hegarty said.

Police will also continue to monitor travel in and out of regional areas, including random checks on people leaving Greater Sydney and other areas under stay-at-home orders to ensure they have a permit to do so.

So far this year, 203 people have died in crashes on NSW roads - 147 of those in regional areas. For the same period last year, 219 people died in crashes in NSW - 143 of those in regional areas.

Do you know you can subscribe to get full access to all Maitland Mercury stories? Subscribing supports us in our local news coverage. To subscribe, click here.