Double demerits expand in WA

Double-demerit-point periods in Western Australia now also encompass illegal mobile phone use and red-light traffic offences

Motorists in Western Australia who are caught illegally using their mobile phone or who run red lights will now be stung for twice the number of demerit points during double-demerit-point periods. Previously the double-demerit-points initiative has only been applied to speeding, seatbelt, and drink- or drug-driving offences.

The measure, which will come into force for the first time in the state over the Easter and ANZAC holiday periods, will be evaluated after three years.

Both running a red light and driving while illegally using a mobile phone usually attract three demerit points, but these offences will now each attract six demerit points if offenders are caught within a double-demerit-point period.

WA’s Road Safety Minister, Liza Harvey, said she hoped the stiffer penalties would help curb serious accidents over the coming public holidays.

“We don’t want anybody to lose a loved one on our roads over the ANZAC and Easter holidays,” she said.

“We know that using your mobile phone while driving and running red lights are linked to fatal and serious crashes. Our aim is to reduce the number of road crashes on Western Australian roads.”

The change in the penalty structure came about after a review of the double demerit initiative was undertaken by WA’s Road Safety Council.

Ms Harvey says there’s still much work to be done in WA to address the state’s road traffic accident rate.

“For the last five years road fatalities have dropped by 30 per cent but WA is still unfortunately one of the worst states in Australia,” she said.

“In 2014 we hope that measures like these will reduce the road toll.”

Double demerits expand in WA

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