In an effort to enhance road safety and recognize good driving behavior, more than one million New South Wales drivers are being rewarded with a demerit point removal for maintaining a clean traffic record over the past year.
This initiative is part of the NSW Government’s Fair Driving Incentive Scheme, aimed at reducing accidents and encouraging safe driving practices.
A Carrot for Safer Driving
Premier Chris Minns described the scheme as a balanced approach to road safety. “We’re using both the carrot and the stick to encourage safer driving. These drivers have actively made our roads safer, and this is a well-deserved reward,” he said.
The initiative applies to unrestricted and professional licence holders with active demerit points. Eligible drivers will see their records updated starting in the second quarter of 2025, with more than 420,000 individuals maintaining offence-free records for two consecutive years.
Suburbs Leading the Way
Drivers from car-reliant regions in Western Sydney and regional NSW have been the biggest beneficiaries this year. Blacktown topped the list with over 6000 drivers rewarded, followed by Castle Hill, Merrylands, Auburn, and Maroubra. Regional towns such as Orange and Dubbo also recorded significant participation.
Top Suburbs by Demerit Points Removed:
- Blacktown: 6093 drivers
- Castle Hill: 5160 drivers
- Merrylands: 4864 drivers
- Auburn: 4785 drivers
- Maroubra: 4594 drivers
Regional Highlights:
- Orange: 4525 drivers
- Dubbo: 4506 drivers
- Port Macquarie: 4438 drivers
Adjustments for 2026
Starting in 2026, the scheme will align with the January holiday season, requiring drivers to remain offence-free through the entire month. This shift addresses January’s historical spike in road accidents and fatalities, encouraging safer holiday driving.
Strengthening Road Safety Measures
In addition to the demerit point scheme, the NSW Government is implementing several new road safety measures to complement the initiative:
- Average Speed Camera Trials: Testing for light vehicles.
- Expanded Enforcement: Doubling mobile speed camera sites with 2700 new locations while maintaining enforcement hours.
- Seatbelt Compliance: Enforced through mobile phone cameras.
- International Licence Regulations: Closing loopholes by requiring drivers to convert to NSW licences within six months.
- Enhanced Bicycle Safety: Expanding helmet safety ratings.
Minister for Roads John Graham emphasized the broader benefits: “This isn’t just about individual drivers - it’s about creating a safer environment for all road users. For those who rely on their licences for work, this initiative could safeguard their livelihoods.”
A Win for NSW Drivers
With nearly 1.5 million drivers eligible for next year’s scheme, the initiative has already made a significant impact. The program underscores the importance of safe driving, not only rewarding individual efforts but also contributing to a safer road culture across the state.
This innovative approach places NSW at the forefront of road safety reform, combining incentives with stricter enforcement to foster responsible driving.
For updates on eligibility and to learn more about road safety initiatives, visit the official NSW Government website.
Dylan Gow
