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NRMA Motoring & Services has welcomed the State Government’s decision to allocate one demerit point to the offence of stopping on or near pedestrian crossings.

NRMA President Alan Evans said NRMA research had found motorists supported the application of demerit points for safety offences.

“The Government’s decision to reform the demerit point followed NRMA’s call in October 2002 to remove anomalies in the present fines and demerits system and increase demerit points for safety offences,” Mr Evans said.

“NRMA welcomes the introduction of demerit penalties on a range of safety and other offences that had previously attracted no points, including stopping on or near schoolchildren’s or pedestrian crossings.

“Public education and consistent, high-profile enforcement will be needed to support these changes if the safety benefits are to be realised.

“NRMA will work with the Government to monitor the new system of fines to ensure that State revenue from penalties remains revenue neutral.”

Demerit points have been used since 1969 to deter motorists in New South Wales from committing offences.

NRMA’s 2002 survey of 450 drivers found strong support of the 12-point demerit system, the three year penalty period and double demerit sanctions.

NRMA’s research found:

• Double demerits on long weekends and holiday periods are very well received by the community, with almost four out of five drivers rating double demerits as effective.

• Many drivers are confused about demerit points, despite half of the respondents having had demerit points at some time and one in four currently having points on their driving record.

• Only one third of drivers know the correct number of points that apply for common offences like going through a red light, seatbelt offences, not stopping at a stop sign or speeding.

• Three in four drivers did not know that demerit points remain on their driving record for three years.

Source: NRMA