News

Driving out cheats

DRIVERS exploiting the demerit points system, such as those falsely claiming to be at the wheel of vehicle and taking points for a fee, will be targeted in a State Government crackdown. 

A TASKFORCE has been established to identify drivers cheating the demerit point scheme.
Comprised of Transport for NSW, NSW Police and Revenue NSW, the taskforce will crack down on drivers exploiting the demerit point system, such as those racking up high numbers of demerits and those selling demerit points online, and will review the suitability of current penalties, suspensions and what extra measures are available to deter people who rack up extremely high demerits.
It will also investigate any gaming of the legitimate process for nominating another driver to take demerit points for an offence.
Roads Minister John Graham said the NSW Government has zero tolerance for anyone trying to subvert the system and “there is one set of road rules and they apply equally to all”.
“This is the right time for Police, Transport for NSW and Revenue NSW to come together to review the demerit point scheme and make sure it remains completely robust,” he said.
“The demerit point system in NSW was designed more than 50 years ago and has been a key plank in improvements that have enhanced road safety over those five decades.”
There are 6.9 million NSW driver licence holders, but the Taskforce will focus on a tiny fraction of drivers who have 20 or more demerit points.
Acting Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Tara Moriarty said the demerit point system exists for the safety of every road user and the taskforce will help ensure the penalties apply to all road users.
The Taskforce will also examine who is eligible to opt for a good behaviour period in lieu of a suspension, based on how many demerits they have.