Government set to wipe off demerit points of eligible drivers in the New Year
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In a move that could bring a collective sigh of relief to many, one state government has announced a trial that could see over one million drivers have a demerit point removed from their driving records.
This initiative, which is part of a broader strategy to improve road safety, underscores the government's commitment to rewarding good driving behaviour and reducing the road toll.
The trial offers a clean slate to drivers in New South Wales who have managed to maintain an unblemished record from January 17, 2023, and keep it up until January 17, 2024.
Initially, 1.7 million motorists were in the running, but the number has decreased to 1.3 million as the end of the trial period approaches.
With just a few weeks left, the NSW government urged drivers to stay vigilant, follow the rules, and drive according to the conditions to remain eligible for the demerit point reduction.
The scheme will reportedly remain in place in 2024.
Roads Minister John Graham has emphasised that the trial is not just a reward system but a critical component of the state's road safety strategy.
By incentivising safe driving, the government hopes to see a significant decrease in road accidents and fatalities.
'Our message is crystal clear: drive safely, and you'll get a point scrubbed from your licence,' Graham stated.
'The more people who qualify for a point, the safer our roads will be.'
'I am deeply concerned by the number of lives lost on NSW roads.'
'The road toll is rising in other states, so this is a shared problem across the nation, but we must do all we can here in NSW to make sure everyone gets home safely to their family.'
Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison has also reminded drivers of the importance of taking regular breaks, adhering to speed limits, and following road signs.
'If all 1.3 million motorists drive safely and within the speed limit, then we will see fewer deaths at a time when we must focus on turning the road toll around,' she said.
'Simple acts such as wearing your seatbelt and putting your phone away could just save yours or another road user’s life.'
This news comes after it was announced that eligible drivers who have used toll roads since July 2022 could claim rebates of up to $1552.
The news was brought to light by a vigilant citizen who took to social media to remind her fellow drivers, 'If you haven’t already done it, the NSW government owes you money.'
She urged drivers to log into their Service NSW account and look for the 'claim your toll rebate' option. Following the prompts would reveal whether they were eligible for a rebate and, if so, how much.
The post also highlighted a new feature for NSW drivers who are sole traders, as they can now claim by linking their business account.
You can read more about this news here.
Members, what are your tips for maintaining a clean driving record? Share them with us in the comments below!
This initiative, which is part of a broader strategy to improve road safety, underscores the government's commitment to rewarding good driving behaviour and reducing the road toll.
The trial offers a clean slate to drivers in New South Wales who have managed to maintain an unblemished record from January 17, 2023, and keep it up until January 17, 2024.
Initially, 1.7 million motorists were in the running, but the number has decreased to 1.3 million as the end of the trial period approaches.
The NSW government is set to reduce one demerit point for drivers who are able to maintain a clean record from January 17, 2023, to January 17, 2024. Image source: jcomp on Freepik.
With just a few weeks left, the NSW government urged drivers to stay vigilant, follow the rules, and drive according to the conditions to remain eligible for the demerit point reduction.
The scheme will reportedly remain in place in 2024.
Roads Minister John Graham has emphasised that the trial is not just a reward system but a critical component of the state's road safety strategy.
By incentivising safe driving, the government hopes to see a significant decrease in road accidents and fatalities.
'Our message is crystal clear: drive safely, and you'll get a point scrubbed from your licence,' Graham stated.
'The more people who qualify for a point, the safer our roads will be.'
'I am deeply concerned by the number of lives lost on NSW roads.'
'The road toll is rising in other states, so this is a shared problem across the nation, but we must do all we can here in NSW to make sure everyone gets home safely to their family.'
Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison has also reminded drivers of the importance of taking regular breaks, adhering to speed limits, and following road signs.
'If all 1.3 million motorists drive safely and within the speed limit, then we will see fewer deaths at a time when we must focus on turning the road toll around,' she said.
'Simple acts such as wearing your seatbelt and putting your phone away could just save yours or another road user’s life.'
This news comes after it was announced that eligible drivers who have used toll roads since July 2022 could claim rebates of up to $1552.
The news was brought to light by a vigilant citizen who took to social media to remind her fellow drivers, 'If you haven’t already done it, the NSW government owes you money.'
She urged drivers to log into their Service NSW account and look for the 'claim your toll rebate' option. Following the prompts would reveal whether they were eligible for a rebate and, if so, how much.
The post also highlighted a new feature for NSW drivers who are sole traders, as they can now claim by linking their business account.
You can read more about this news here.
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