Motoring body attacks double demerit
policy
From The West Australian
By Daniel Emerson
December 20, 2005
A leading motoring
body cast doubts over the effectiveness of double demerits yesterday
as WA Police confirmed motorists would be slugged double points between
December 22 and January 8.
RAC Queensland
spokesman Gary Fites warned the Queensland Government not to copy
NSW in imposing double demerit points during the Christmas and new
year period.
"There is
no evidence that doubling demerit points over holidays in NSW has
contributed to any sustained and significant reduction in the road
toll in that State," Mr Fites said.
He welcomed assurances
from Queensland Premier Peter Beattie that doubling demerit points
was not on the Government's agenda.
"Irresponsible
and reckless driving needs to be countered with strong enforcement
and penalties appropriate to the particular offence 365 days a year,"
Mr Fites said.
The WA Government
brought in double demerits as a permanent measure on long weekends
and holiday periods until the end of 2007 after a trial in 2003 and
2004 based on the NSW model.
RAC WA member advocacy
executive manager David Moir said the body would not be making the
same recommendation as the Queensland motoring organisation. "Our
position is that we do support double demerit points and while it
continues to work we are in favour of it," he said.
