Public want a fairer demerit system: NRMA survey

The survey of 1,071 motorists in NSW found almost two-thirds (62%) support reducing the amount of time demerit points are kept on a licence from three years to two and 95 per cent support reductions in the cost of licence renewals for drivers with a clean record.

The NRMA survey also found more than half (53%) support increasing the number of demerit points on a full NSW licence from 12 to 13.

In addition to these improvements the NRMA is also calling on the NSW Government to consider a system currently in place overseas, whereby drivers booked for a low-range traffic offence can forgo the fine and demerit points if they attend a one-day driver training course at their own expense.

Each motorist will be given this option once every three years.

NRMA Motoring & Services Group CEO Tony Stuart said with NSW Treasury forecasting revenue from fines to increase considerably over the next two years it was time for a review of the demerit system to ensure fairness for motorists without sacrificing safety.

"The demerit system was introduced in NSW almost 40 years ago and since that time policing methods have expanded considerably," Mr Stuart said.

"Today we have fixed and mobile speed cameras, safety cameras, school zone cameras, red light cameras, bus lane cameras, highway patrols, planes with speed cameras, CCTV and council rangers.

"And if any of these catch you on a long weekend the punishment is doubled.

"The NRMA acknowledges the important role these policing methods play in keeping our roads safe and we should never sacrifice the safety of all road users.

"We can make life a little easier and fairer for motorists while ensuring a demerit system that punishes bad behaviour, especially for repeat offenders.

"If we keep coming up with new ways to catch drivers without giving something back to motorists then the public's confidence in the demerit system may wane."

"It is also time for NSW to catch up with other states and reward drivers with a clean driving record through discounts on the cost of their licence renewal."

The NRMA survey found 23 per cent of motorists had received a traffic infringement over the last two years. The survey also found:

• Almost 40 per cent (39%) were unaware that a full licence had 12 demerit points
• Almost 10 per cent (7%) had been booked during a double demerit period
• More than one-third (35%) were unaware that safety cameras operate in NSW

"Most drivers are decent, law abiding citizens and to expect all motorists to go through their driving lives without ever making a mistake is unrealistic," Mr Stuart said.