Tasmania should implement a double demerit point penalty trial on state roads, given strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of the measure in interstate jurisdictions.
“It is abundantly clear that we need stronger measures to tackle dangerous driving on Tasmanian roads,” Greens Infrastructure spokesperson Nick McKim MP said.
“Our proposed three-year trial would apply to selected weekends and public holidays, in an attempt to encourage drivers to focus on the driving choices they are making during these highly susceptible periods.”
"Tasmania Police are clear that speed has been a consistent contributing factor in our road toll and high crash rate."
“A double demerit trial would cost almost nothing to implement, and the evidence suggests that it could be an effective public awareness tool for reducing the road toll.”
“Doubling demerit penalties for certain offences have been effective at reducing the number of serious injuries or deaths on roads in WA, Victoria and NSW.”
“Based on the success in other states, it is certainly worthwhile having a trial for three years in Tasmania.”
"This measure would not lead to increased financial penalties for motorists who break the law, but it would help get serial offenders off the road if they offend at peak holiday periods, when extra care is needed," Mr McKim said.
