❓ A WA parliamentary question seeks clarification on the decision-making process and empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of double demerit points during holiday periods. The answer refers to regulations defining holiday periods and cites a 2002 trial evaluation indicating positive behavioral changes and reduced crashes.
AnsweredQoN 1158Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the implementation of double demerits during specified times of the year, a system that has been in place for many years now, and I ask : (a) Could the Minister inform who makes the decision when, and for how long, double demerits will be in place; and (b) Could the Minister provide empirical data that statistically supports the notion that road trauma and deaths, as well as serious road offences, are reduced during these periods, given traffic volumes are far greater during holiday periods?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
11 September 2024
Responded by
Minister for Road Safety
Response time
7 days
a) Different demerit points apply to certain offences during holiday periods .
The definition of 'holiday period' is prescribed in regulation 67 of the Road Traffic (Authorisation to Drive) Regulations 2014.
b) Double demerits were introduced by the WA Government following a trial beginning in 2002.
An evaluation of the trial indicated:
- Community members reported that they had modified their driving behaviour during double demerit periods.
- There was a lower number of road crashes, including fatal crashes, during the double demerit holiday periods compared to previous holiday periods where double demerits were not in place.
- WA Police Force issued less infringements during double demerit holiday periods compared to previous holiday periods where double demerits were not in place.
The definition of 'holiday period' is prescribed in regulation 67 of the Road Traffic (Authorisation to Drive) Regulations 2014.
b) Double demerits were introduced by the WA Government following a trial beginning in 2002.
An evaluation of the trial indicated:
- Community members reported that they had modified their driving behaviour during double demerit periods.
- There was a lower number of road crashes, including fatal crashes, during the double demerit holiday periods compared to previous holiday periods where double demerits were not in place.
- WA Police Force issued less infringements during double demerit holiday periods compared to previous holiday periods where double demerits were not in place.
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