General News
7 June, 2024
Demerit points returned for safe drivers in the west
Motorists in towns across western NSW, including Bourke, Walgett, Narrabri, and Gilgandra, are benefiting from the NSW government's demerit point return trial, which rewards safe driving.
Motorists in towns across western NSW are reaping the reward of their safe driving through the NSW government’s demerit point return trial. Drivers in Bourke, Walgett, Narrabri, Gilgandra, and four other local government areas have seen a demerit point removed from their license for maintaining a 12-month spotless driving record. In Gilgandra, 360 motorists have had a demerit point returned. This is a meaningful reward for families and community members who depend on their cars, which is particularly common in rural areas.
“If you drive for a living then the reward for safe driving could be the difference between ongoing employment and losing your livelihood,” said NSW minister for roads John Graham. “People are used to the stick of enforcement and double demerits, but this is the carrot of reward for good behaviour. Every demerit point wiped from a licence under this trial is the result of a full 12 months of safe driving by a motorist on NSW roads.”
More than 1.2 million drivers qualified for the demerit point reward for maintaining a clear record during the initial 12-month period up to January 16, 2024. The demerit return trial has been extended for a second year as the NSW government continues to sharpen its focus on road safety in 2024 amid a rising road toll.
“Earning the removal of a demerit point can mean a lot, especially to motorists who rely on their cars to drive the kids to school or to get to work,” said Labor’s duty MLC for Barwon, Stephen Lawrence. “It’s great to see drivers rewarded for their safe driving. Our community knows how important road safety is and this program is driving that message home.
“With the demerit point return trial extended for another year, let’s keep the momentum going and ensure we’re focusing on driving safely every day.”
