2025 is a significant anniversary for road safety in New South Wales. This year marks the centenary of the formation of the Public Safety Bureau, and 50 years since the road policing duty type was re-named Highway Patrol.
Two events were recently held to mark the 100th anniversary or road safety in the NSW Police Force.
On 12 May 2025, highway patrol cars and motorcycles assembled on the Sydney Opera House forecourt, the scene of similar displays over the past 100 years. A display of current and historic police vehicles for National Road Safety Week was also held.
Then, on 20 May 2025, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command held a retired police day at its Sydney headquarters. Over 100 retired officers attended, and the day doubled as a recruitment event for police looking at a career in highway patrol or crash investigation.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb APM, herself a former Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, addressed the gathering.
“It takes a special skill to be a highway patrol officer – back then and now,” Commissioner Webb said.
“It is a profession to keep our roads safe.”
Mr Mick Timms, ACRS NSW Chapter Chair and former highway patrol officer, expressed appreciation to Assistant Commissioner David Driver APM, the Commander, Traffic and Highway Patrol, for holding the events and for his recent attendance at the NSW Chapter’s PhD Invitational.
A gala dinner for formally recognise 100 years of road safety in the NSW Police Force will take place in September.
