1.1 million drivers in NSW get demerit points back - is it fair?

In New South Wales, Australia, more than 1.1 million drivers are set to receive a demerit point back on January 16, 2025, provided they have not been punished for any traffic violations over the previous year. This initiative, introduced by Premier Chris Minns, aims to reward safe driving behavior as a response to the alarming rise in road fatalities, which have reached 321 in 2024, double the figure from the previous year. The scheme is designed to promote adherence to road safety rules during the critical holiday season, which historically sees increased traffic incidents. To identify eligible drivers, the New South Wales government has released a detailed breakdown of data by suburb, emphasizing areas like the Central Coast, where nearly 55,000 drivers are expected to benefit from this policy. Other local government areas such as Blacktown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, and Liverpool combined have nearly 290,000 demerit points slated for removal. This localized approach offers both motivation for individuals to maintain safe driving practices and insight into community compliance with traffic laws. The implementation of this trial reflects a shift in road safety strategy, moving away from solely punitive measures, such as fines and double demerits, towards a more encouraging framework that includes rewards for good behavior. NSW Roads Minister John Graham highlighted the importance of this initiative for drivers, particularly those who rely on their ability to drive for employment, as the loss of even a single demerit point might influence their continued ability to work. Graham stated that recognizing good driving practices could lead to better overall safety on the roads, promoting a culture of compliance rather than fear of punishment. Following the favorable feedback from the community regarding this trial, the government plans to extend the rewards scheme beyond 2025. This extension implies that the trial's initial reception has resonated well with drivers, suggesting promising outlooks for improved road safety by incentivizing users to follow regulations and remain within the legal speed limits. Furthermore, addressing the fact that two-thirds of all fatal accidents reported in 2024 occurred in regional areas of NSW, this initiative could also benefit these locations by promoting safer driving habits.