MOTORISTS across the Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands regions are reaping the reward of their safe driving through the NSW Government’s demerit point return trial.
Data broken down by local government area (LGA) shows 43,465 drivers in eight LGAs have seen a demerit point removed from their licence for maintaining a 12-month spotless driving record.
The breakdown includes Tweed Shire 14,836 drivers; Clarence 7,810; Byron Shire 6,798; Ballina 5,788; Lismore City 4,855; Richmond Valley 2,147; Kyogle 693; and Tenterfield Shire 538.
More than 1.2 million drivers qualified for the demerit point reward for maintaining a clear record during the initial 12-month period up to 16 January 2024.
The demerit return trial has been extended for a second year as the NSW Government continues to sharpen its focus on road safety in 2024 amid a rising road toll.
State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:
“Earning the removal of a demerit point can mean a lot, especially to motorists who rely on their cars to drive the kids to school or to get to work.
“It’s great to see drivers rewarded for their safe driving. Our communities know how important road safety is and this program is driving that message home.
“With the demerit point return trial extended for another year, let’s keep the momentum going and ensure we’re focusing on driving safely every day.”
NSW Minister for Roads John Graham said:
“If you drive for a living then the reward for safe driving could be the difference between ongoing employment and losing your livelihood.
“People are used to the stick of enforcement and double demerits, but this is the carrot of reward for good behaviour.
“Every demerit point wiped from a licence under this trial is the result of a full 12 months of safe driving by a motorist on NSW roads.”
FILE PHOTO: Lismore MP Janelle Saffin campaigning with John Graham MLC, who is now NSW Minister for Roads among a range of portfolios.
