Dangerous drivers and those who employ them are facing tough new penalties.
From Thursday 1 November, anyone caught exceeding the speed limit by 25 kilometres an hour or more, but less than 35km/h, will lose their licence for three months.
The same penalty will apply for anyone who exceeds the speed limit by 20km/h or more but less than 25 km/h in a 110 km/h zone.
Previously motorists caught for those speeding offences would lose their licence for one month. Demerit points will no longer be accrued for all excessive speed offences.
VicRoads’ road access and user vehicle access director, Roger Chao, said a recent research study revealed licence suspensions were the key to deterring higher level speeding offences.
“The study examined how speeding drivers responded to various penalties including licence suspensions, demerit points, good behaviour bonds and vehicle impoundments,” he said.
“There was strong evidence that licence suspension for higher level speeding offences lower the likelihood of repeat offences and these drivers being involved in a casualty crash.”
The TAC’s road safety lead director, Samantha Cockfield, said speed was one of the biggest factors in deaths and serious injuries on Victorian roads.
“The fact that speed continues to play a part in about one third of Victorian deaths and injuries shows there is still work to be done to get motorists to slow down,” she said.
“Tougher penalties, alongside enforcement and education, is proven to be the best approach to tackling speeding on Victorian roads.”
Other changes to come into effect on 1 November include:
– Increasing the maximum penalty for unlicensed driving to a $9500 fine or six months in jail, up from a $3950 fine or three months in jail.
– There’ll be one maximum penalty for driving while disqualified, regardless of whether it’s a first or subsequent offence. The new penalties will be a $38,000 fine or two years in jail, up from a $4700 fine or four months jail for first offence.
– A new offence will see a person who knowingly allows an unlicensed driver to drive facing a maximum $9500 fine or six months jail.
– The penalty for the new offence of employing someone to drive who is unlicensed will be a maximum $3160 fine for individuals or $15,800 fine for body corporates.
