Speed, Seatbelt Offenders Facing Double Demerits
Illawarra Mercury
Wednesday December 24, 2008
DOUBLE demerits for all speeding and seatbelt offences on NSW roads came into force from midnight yesterday.
The double penalties apply until midnight on January 4, in the annual effort to curb the Christmas holiday road toll. Police also hope the annual road toll will be below 400 for the first time since World War II. NSW Roads Minister Michael Daley said road deaths had dropped 28 per cent during holiday periods since double demerit penalties were introduced in 1997. "Double demerits help deter motorists from breaking the law during what is an exceptionally busy time on the state's roads," he said.Police Minister Tony Kelly said the demerits and heavy fines sent a strong message to motorists to do the right thing. "Police will be out in force over the holidays so if drivers continue to ignore all the warnings and break the law over the Christmas and New Year period they will be caught and punished," he said.
© 2008 Illawarra Mercury