The new demerit point scheme, which comes into effect today, might be fairer but its certainly not safer, according to concerned Yass to Canberra commuters.
From July 1, unrestricted licence holders in NSW who exceed the speed limit by up to 10 kilometres will only lose one demerit point - not three - and attract a fine of $84.
Motorists who are caught driving between 11km/h and 20km/h over the speed limit will lose three demerit points and cop a $197 fine while drivers who exceed the speed limit by 45km/h or more will receive an automatic six month suspension, lose six demerit points and attract a fine of $1744.
Minister for Roads Michael Daly said the new demerit point scheme has been introduced to make the system fairer for motorists and our roads safer for the entire community.
"There is no such thing as safe speeding but I have always acknowledged that the system could be fairer for motorists who inadvertently speed by just a few kilometres over the speed limit," he said.
"That's why we've reduced the demerit point penalty for people caught driving up to 10km from three points to one.
"But the more you speed, the more harshly you will be punished and make no mistake - anyone caught doing more than 10km/h over the limit is either deliberately speeding or not paying attention and these motorists will not escape lightly."
Daily commuter John Brown does not believe the new scheme will make roads around the Yass Valley safer. He believes one demerit point and $84 is not deterrence enough for serial speeders.
"From the perspective of someone who is always driving back and forth on the Barton Highway, the road is an absolute mad house," Mr Brown said.
"You would not believe the number of people who pass me, to overtake on double lines, driving at least 120 km/h.
"Now they'll just think $84 and one demerit point - if I get caught - is worth it. I really do believe they are increasing the risks to safety on the Barton Highway."
For the local father of four, the risks to his and his family's safety act as the biggest speeding deterrence, not demerit points or monetary fines.
Having been the victim of three broken windscreens in less than 12 months, Mr Brown knows this is not the case for many drivers.
"I try to sit on 100km/h on speed control but cars just fly by me, throwing rocks up as they pass."
The new laws, which come into effect today, are designed to drive down the number of speeding related deaths and injuries by better reflecting the seriousness of the offence, according to the Minister for Roads.
Mr Daly said the NSW Government would continue to build on its policy to stamp out speeding among P plate drivers, with the penalties for P2 drivers to increase.
P2 drivers caught speeding from 1kmh to 30kmh over the limit will lose an additional demerit point from next month.
This means that P2 drivers will lose their licence on their second speeding offence and P1 drivers will continue to lose their licence for just one offence.
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