Big penalty hikes hit WA road users

[casual_cyclist]

Perth drivers have taken to talkback radio to vent their anger about big hikes in road user penalties.

These include a $1200 slug for an offence that previously didn't attract a fine or affect demerit points - altering number plates or fitting device that prevents effective identification.

"It's just ridiculous," several Radio 6PR callers said on Thursday.

Yeah, ridiculous. Break the law, get a fine... what are we coming to?

"We need to do everything we can to discourage unsafe driving behaviour, which is why penalties need to reflect how dangerous these driving offences are."

She singled out mobile phone use while driving, which now attracts a $400 fine and three demerit points, up from a $250 fine and three demerit points.

Good! There are still far too many people driving while using a phone and putting other road users at risk.

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[Scott_C]

A full list of changes is available at the Office of Road Safety.

Changes of particular relevance are:
Motor vehicles entering bicycle storage area ("Bike Box")- was $100 & 2 demerit points, now $200 and 2 demerit points.
Failure to keep a safe distance when overtaking a vehicle- was $100 & 2 demerit points, now $400 and 4 demerit points.

Now if only we could get them to act on unsafe overtaking.

[Bartek]

A good intention, but unlikely to have an effect if there isn't enough Police to enforce or if they fail to enforce (which seems to be the case with the 1m rule in Queensland!).

[softy]

Sometimes I think the laws are a bit backward.

Don't wear a seatbelt $550 4 dermerits
Using a mobile phone $400 3 dermerits

To me using a mobile phone whilst driving endangers yourself and other road uses.
Not wearing a seatbelt only endangers yourself.

I would think using a mobile effects your control of the car whilst not wearing a seatbelt doesn't,
Therefore the mobile should attract a bigger fine and dermerit point penalty.

But it is the other way round!

[exadios]

Sometimes I think the laws are a bit backward.

Don't wear a seatbelt $550 4 dermerits
Using a mobile phone $400 3 dermerits

To me using a mobile phone whilst driving endangers yourself and other road uses.
Not wearing a seatbelt only endangers yourself.

I would think using a mobile effects your control of the car whilst not wearing a seatbelt doesn't,
Therefore the mobile should attract a bigger fine and dermerit point penalty.

But it is the other way round!

+1
Considering that phone usage is equated with drunk driving license suspension should be on the books.

[Farmer Elvis]

As a cyclist I rate drivers and mobile phones as my single biggest chance of being rear ended

[Parker]

I'm cool with it

[outnabike]

I would say they are coming into line with other states, that's all. It still hasn't stopped the poor practice though, still getting plenty of bookings.
Vic
• 4 demerit points
• $433 fine
NSW
The penalty for illegally using a mobile phone while driving is three demerit points and a $298 fine," he said in a statement.
"This is upgraded to four demerit points and a $397 fine if the offence occurs in a school zone."

[casual_cyclist]

I would say they are coming into line with other states, that's all. It still hasn't stopped the poor practice though, still getting plenty of bookings.

It would be interesting to see stats on the number of fines for mobile phone use in each state.

[Mububban]

I'll say that all these extra fines do make me drive more carefully. I consider myself a careful driver anyway, don't speed, don't drive under the influence, I actually stop for red lights etc, but now I'm even more aware of keeping an eye on the speedo as I can't afford the fines. I know it won't have any effect on the yobbo that thinks he's Peter Brock, but every time I cruise through a speed camera, I love my cruise control that little bit more.

[casual_cyclist]

I'll say that all these extra fines do make me drive more carefully. I consider myself a careful driver anyway, don't speed, don't drive under the influence, I actually stop for red lights etc, but now I'm even more aware of keeping an eye on the speedo as I can't afford the fines. I know it won't have any effect on the yobbo that thinks he's Peter Brock, but every time I cruise through a speed camera, I love my cruise control that little bit more.

Also a reminder not to touch your phone while you are driving, even when stopped at the lights. I have done this in the past but now switch my phone off when I am driving so I'm not tempted to read a text while stopped at the lights. It's illegal and I can understand the risks. Don't want a fine? Don't use your phone in the car. It's not that hard really.

[softy]

I'll say that all these extra fines do make me drive more carefully. I consider myself a careful driver anyway, don't speed, don't drive under the influence, I actually stop for red lights etc, but now I'm even more aware of keeping an eye on the speedo as I can't afford the fines. I know it won't have any effect on the yobbo that thinks he's Peter Brock, but every time I cruise through a speed camera, I love my cruise control that little bit more.

Also a reminder not to touch your phone while you are driving, even when stopped at the lights. I have done this in the past but now switch my phone off when I am driving so I'm not tempted to read a text while stopped at the lights. It's illegal and I can understand the risks. Don't want a fine? Don't use your phone in the car. It's not that hard really.

A good tip is to put your bag/backpack in the boot, can't be tempted then.

(I believe) Also did you notice they are doing something just near the psp just south of the murdoch station. I do believe this looks like a fixed radar camera facing south. Can anyone confirm this?