DEMERIT IMPROVEMENTS A BIG WIN FOR MOTORISTS

Premier Kristina Keneally has today announced:

- Increasing the number of demerits for NSW licences from 12 to 13

- Commercial licence holders will increase from 12 to 14 demerit points

- Warning signs 50 metres in front of mobile speed cameras

- Twenty-two demerit point offences either deleted or reduced; and

- A taskforce to investigate allowing motorists to undertake an education course at their own expense instead of a fine and points for certain offences.

NRMA Motoring & Services President Wendy Machin said today’s announcement was a significant win for NRMA Members and all motorists.

“Premier Kristina Keneally and Roads Minister David Borger should be congratulated for listening to the concerns of NRMA’s members and all motorists and introducing these sound measures,” Ms Machin said.

“The NRMA took these proposals to the NSW Government because we wanted to see the demerit system made fairer, without sacrificing safety.”

A survey of NRMA Members found a majority supported increasing the number of demerit points from 12 to 13.

Ms Machin said the decision to introduce warning signs 50 metres in front of mobile speed cameras would significantly reduce angst among the community about the cameras.

“These warning signs will go a long way to building community confidence that these cameras are not about revenue raising but keeping our roads safe.”