NSW drivers set to get demerit point returned within weeks if they abide by the rules
More than one million NSW drivers are eligible to get a demerit point scrubbed within weeks if they stick to the rules. Here’s when it will happen.
NSW
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More than a million motorists will get a demerit point scrubbed from their licence if they follow the rules for another five weeks, as the NSW Government implores drivers to travel safely and help curb a soaring road toll ahead of the Christmas holiday.
The latest figures show there are 1.3 million drivers eligible to have a demerit point scrubbed by January 17 under a Minns Government election promise to reward good driving behaviour.
The one-year trial – announced in June and backdated to January 17 this year – shows that 400,000 drivers have breached rules incurring a demerit point since the announcement, when 1.7 million drivers were deemed eligible.
The government intends on keeping the trial active in 2024, meaning drivers could win back another demerit point in early 2025 if they abide by the road rules for a full year.
“Reducing the road toll and rewarding safe driving across the state is the aim of this trial,” Premier Chris Minns said.
“We hope it gives drivers that little bit of extra incentive to achieve a spotless record, when we know more people will be on the roads during the holiday season.
“Our message couldn’t be clearer: drive safely and you’ll get a point scrubbed from your licence come January 17.”
Roads Minister John Graham voiced his concerns over the soaring road toll in NSW, with another nine deaths recorded in just 48-hours over Friday and Saturday.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
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