"General behaviour in the area has picked up - we've had some positive results - and I'd say the double demerit points and high visibility of police is what has helped that," Southern Region traffic tactician, Acting Inspector Alan McCulloch said.

Almost 7000 breath tests were conducted throughout the Wollongong, Lake Illawarra and South Coast commands during the five-day safety campaign code-named Operation Tortoise.

A total of 334 infringement notices were issued in the area during the same period, including 123 for speeding and six for restraint or seatbelt offences.

Despite the positive result for the region, NSW's senior police expressed their disappointment at the number of people killed and injured on the state's roads.

"We got the message out there, but we're disappointed the message didn't get through," Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn said.

"Police were out there all weekend, night and day, we're doing our best to keep motorists safe but it seems there are some who just don't care.

"Right now there are four people dead, including two young children, and families are left wondering why."

Twice as many people died on Australian roads this Easter period compared with last year, with 22 people losing their lives over the five days.

Queensland had the worst Easter road toll for more than two decades with eight fatalities.

Four people lost their lives on roads in Victoria, four in NSW and four in Western Australia during this year's Easter period.

There was one fatality each in South Australia and Northern Territory, while Tasmania and the ACT remained fatality-free.

The national road toll for Easter last year was 12.

with AAP