CALL FOR DOUBLE DEMERIT TRIAL IN SCHOOL ZONES

The Tasmanian Greens today proposed a trial of double demerit penalties for motorists caught speeding in school safety zones, as an additional measure to help end tragic road incidents involving children.

Greens Infrastructure spokesperson Tim Morris MP said the proposed road safety trial was in addition to the Greens’ long-standing call for double-demerit penalties over the Easter long weekend as a way of ensuring a zero-fatality holiday period.

“The recent string of terrible accidents involving school children should be enough to spur the Minister to consider the merits of this proposal,” Mr Morris said.

“The Greens are pleased that the Infrastructure Minister David O’Byrne told Parliament that he ‘welcomed’ the idea, despite some misgivings, so we are now calling for him to initiate a trial of these measures.”

“It would cost almost nothing to implement double demerit penalties, which have already been proven to reduce the number of crashes in West Australia.” [1]

“A recent study in Western Australia identified clear results from Double Demerit legislation, and Tasmania should also be considering it as an option our road-safety tool kit.”

“This is not a revenue raising measure, because it would not lead to any increase in fines for motorists who receive a double demerit penalty.”

“We have nothing to lose and everything to gain by trialling this tool,” Mr Morris said.

[1] A 2009 evaluation of the Western Australian double demerit points system conducted by consultants Synovate found that:

“Compared to the 2001 pre-trial results, the Double Demerit legislation remains effective in its core objective – reducing the number of crashes during the defined Double Demerit period.”
Tim Morris MP Greens Infrastructure Spokesperson