Greens call for double demerit trial

The Tasmanian Greens today renewed their commitment to pursue a double demerit point penalty trial on Tasmanian roads, based on strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of the measure.

Greens Infrastructure spokesperson Tim Morris MP said the Greens’ proposed three-year trial would apply to selected weekends and public holidays.

“It is abundantly clear that we need stronger measures to tackle dangerous driving on Tasmanian roads,” Mr Morris said.

“Tasmania Police have made it clear that speed has been a consistent contributing factor in our road toll and high crash rate.”

“A double demerit trial would cost almost nothing to implement, and the evidence suggests that it could be an effective public awareness tool for reducing the road toll.”

“Doubling demerit penalties for certain offences have been effective at reducing the number of serious injuries or deaths on roads in WA, Victoria and NSW.

“Based on the success in interstate jurisdictions, it is certainly worthwhile having a trial for three years in Tasmania.”

“This measure would not lead to increased financial penalties for motorists who break the law, but it would help get serial offenders off the road if they offend at peak holiday periods, when extra care is needed.”

[1] A 2009 evaluation of the Western Australian double demerit points system by 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.”

http://www.ors.wa.gov.au/Documents/doubledemerits-report-2009.aspx
Tim Morris MP Greens Infrastructure Spokesperson