New Demerit Points Scheme For NSW Goes Easy On Drivers

A REVISED DEMERIT POINTS SCHEME for New South Wales, to be introduced on July 1, will bring some relief for drivers who stray over the posted limits, with the penalty for speeding up to 10km/h over the posted limited dropped from three demerit points to one.

Roads Minister Michael Daley said the Roads and Traffic Authority, NSW, had worked with the NSW Police and the State Debt Recovery Office to devise the new system, and introduce it as quickly as possible.

The Minister said that he asked the RTA to make the changes to the demerit point system its number one priority, with the July 1 introduction coming two months ahead of schedule.

"There is no such thing as safe speeding but I have always acknowledged that the system could be fairer for motorists who inadvertently speed by just a few kilometres over the limit,'' he said.

"That's why we've reduced the demerit-point penalty for people caught driving up to 10kmh from three points to one.

The Minister stressed that despite the leniency for lesser offences, the system is designed so that the higher the speed, the harsher the punishment.

"Make no mistake, anyone caught doing more than 10kmh over the limit is either deliberately speeding or not paying attention and these motorists will not escape lightly.''

From 1 July, the following demerit point system will apply for unrestricted licence holders:

• 1 to 10kmh over the speed limit: one demerit point and an $84 fine;
• 11 to 20kmh over the speed limit: three demerit points and a $197 fine;
• 21 to 30kmh over the speed limit: four demerit points and a $338 fine;
• 31 to 45kmh: three month suspension, five demerit points and a $647 fine;

  Over 45kmh: six month suspension, six demerit points and a $1,744 fine.

Mr Daley said that while the new system is fairer on drivers, penalties for P2 drivers will be increased, with any P2 driver speeding over the limit from 1km/h to 30km/h to lose an additional point under the new rules.

"This means that P2 drivers will lose their licence on their second speeding offence and P1 drivers will continue to lose their licence for just one offence.''

To help drivers understand the new system, the RTA will launch an awareness campaign, including a letter to P plate drivers warning them of the tough new penalties.