1.7 million safe NSW drivers to get a demerit point back in January 2024

The NSW Government will fast track plans to wipe one demerit point after 12 months, backdating the trial to when the election commitment was made.

Exclusive: A Labor election promise to reward safe drivers in NSW with a demerit point removed after 12 months has been fast-tracked, with 1.7 million drivers set to earn back a point.

The scheme will now be backdated to when the now Premier Chris Minns first announced it on January 17 ahead of the election, meaning there is just six months until the ­demerits will be scrubbed from licences.

Under the trial, Transport for NSW will take a snapshot of the demerit point register from January 17 this year, and scrub demerits from drivers who have maintained a safe driving record until January 17, 2024.

It normally takes three years for a demerit point to be wiped.

The scheme won’t include learners or provisional drivers.

1.7 million people could be eligible for the scheme. Picture: Jeremy Piper

Mr Minns said the trial reflected the NSW government’s commitment to focus on incentives rather than raising revenue.

“This is an appropriate way for good drivers to earn a point back,” he said.

The NRMA’s Peter Khoury said many people accumulated demerit points when speed camera warning signs were removed.

“Our message couldn’t be clearer: 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.”

NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury welcomed the news the trial would be fast-tracked, saying it would encourage people to be safer on the roads.

“Many people were booked for the first time when the previous government removed speed camera warning signs,” he said.

“Incentives are not a new thing and as long as they don’t undermine enforcement programs we would fully support it.”

Premier Chris Minns made the promise in the lead-up to the election. Picture: Simon Bullard

The points will be automatically wiped but may take up to three months to process.

“We need everyone to work together to create a safer driving environment and ultimately push road trauma to zero,” Roads Minister John Graham said, adding:

“The 12-month trial will be closely examined to assess its impact on road safety and the effectiveness of the demerit point changes.”

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