The Minns Labor government is urging all motorists to renew their commitment to safe driving as we head into the Christmas and the summer holidays.
The government can reveal 1.3 million NSW drivers remain eligible to have a demerit point removed from their licence within 5 weeks if they remain infringement free.
The 1-year demerit point scheme trial to encourage safe driving comes to a close on 17 January 2024 – meaning those who have maintained an offence-free record since 17 January this year will have 1 demerit point scrubbed from their licence.
The NSW Government announced in June that the trial would come into effect 6 months earlier than first flagged, allowing drivers who maintain a spotless record the chance to shed a demerit point sooner.
At that time there were 1.7 million motorists eligible, with almost 400,000 having since committed an offence that carried at least one demerit point.
The trial has been embraced by the public and the demerit offer will remain in place in 2024.
The government is urging motorists to use the demerit return as an incentive to drive safely as the road toll has risen significantly in 2023 across Australia.
In NSW in the 12 months to 14 December, 337 people have died on the roads – an increase of 61 compared to the same 12-month period last year.
Minister for Roads John Graham said:
“The demerit point trial is all about reducing the road toll and this comes at such a critical time as we urge all drivers to be as safe as possible heading into the end of the year and the summer holiday season when lots of us drive long distances.
“Our message is crystal clear: drive safely and you’ll get a point scrubbed from your licence. The more people who qualify for a point, the safer our roads will be.
“I am deeply concerned by the number of lives lost on NSW roads. The road toll is rising in other states so this is a shared problem across the nation, but we must do all we can here in NSW to make sure everyone gets home safely to their family.
“The NSW Government is investing almost $2.6 billion road safety programs like seatbelt compliance via our mobile phone detection cameras, as well improved infrastructure, education and fund police operations.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
“Drivers across NSW are used to the stick approach, so the demerit trial is an important carrot for them to maintain a clean record over this last 5 weeks of the trial period.
“If all 1.3 million motorists drive safely and within the speed limit then we will see fewer deaths at a time when we must focus on turning the road toll around.
“Road deaths are particularly hard for regional communities where people may have life-long ties to their area.
“Sadly, the fatality rate per head of population for country residents of NSW is almost 5 times that of metropolitan residents.
“Simple acts such as wearing your seatbelt and putting your phone away could just save yours or another road user’s life.
“As you embark on holiday journeys and festive adventures, be the driving force behind safer roads. Prioritise rest by taking regular breaks, obey speed limits, and follow the advisory signs. If you’re planning to drink, have a plan B.
“Be especially cautious near curves and bends, where more than half of all rural road fatalities occur.”
