Think twice this Australia Day

Approximately 60,000 drivers were caught and fined for speeding on ACT roads in 2016, totalling more than $15 million in fines. Fines issued by police accounted for 6% of all fines, with the rest coming from government run speed cameras. Drivers were most frequently caught by speed cameras on Gungahlin Drive, Majura Parkway, Monaro Highway, William Hovell Drive and Belconnen way.

Whilst the number of speeding infringements from last year is shocking, Police have warned that 2017 is set to be even worse, with 480 traffic infringement notices and cautions being issued in the first 11 days of the year. Police have warned that drivers need to be more cautious, urging them to take particular care over the Australia Day long weekend.

Drivers should note that Double Demerits will be in force from Wednesday 25 January – Sunday 29 January for the Australia Day long weekend.

As of 4 January 2016, the standard penalty for mobile offences rose to 4 demerit points. At the end of last year, mobile related offences were included in double demerit periods. This means that those caught talking or texting illegally this long weekend could incur 8 Demerit points. This is a huge number when you keep in mind that the threshold for an unrestricted license is 13 points.

The double demerit point scheme currently applies for the following types of offences:

Speeding
Illegal use of mobile phones
Not wearing a seatbelt
Riding without a helmet

This is one of the busiest times of year for Australian roads, as families travel all over the country. Remember to stay safe and be careful. One infringement could easily end in licence suspension and an untimely fine.

Blog.

Think twice this Australia Day