South Australian P-Platers Facing Tougher Penalties

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN Premier Mike Rann said this week that his Government will come down harder on P-plate offenders if re-elected at the March 20 election.

Some offences, including speeding and drink-driving, would see licences suspended for 12 months - double the current penalty. 

Under the Premier's plan, a new category would be created for people with less than two years driving experience, bringing even tougher penalties.

"This new category of inexperienced drivers is also a high-risk area for road accidents so the most effective thing is the word of mouth - if people know that they're going to lose their licence for much longer then hopefully we'll see changes in behaviour," Mr Rann said.

Mr Rann said that the one thing young drivers value the most is their licence, and that the risk of losing it for a longer time than before is more likely to drive the point home.