Image via cowraguardian.com.au //
Western Australia is the only other state/territory to also instate the demerits…
In what’s sure to be unwelcome news for NSW drivers, double demerits have kicked into effect as of today. Instituted as a result of tomorrow’s public holiday, the National Day of Mourning for the Queen, the harsh ruling will last until Sunday.
It’s a move that’s drawn large criticism, specifically as the holiday was introduced just last week and is forcing countless individuals and businesses to go without work tomorrow. Moreover, it’s forcing numerous Aussies to pay respect to a monarch they may not necessarily be mourning. Add the fact the growing desire within the country to transition into a republic (around 45% of the population according to the last national poll), and it’s not exactly Transport NSW’s most popular move so far (which is definitely saying something).
Speaking on the decision, Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary Tara McCarthy explained, “Although this is a sombre occasion, there is still likely to be more people out on the roads over the next few days and over the weekend with the school term ending on Friday, so it is important we all take extra care. The last thing we want to see over this period is an increase in road trauma, which is why double-demerits will be in place like they would for any other public holiday to deter people from doing the wrong thing and putting lives at risk.”
Interestingly, however, NSW and Western Australia are the only two states/territories to embrace the rule, with the latter’s double demerits lasting until Monday. But nonetheless, the fact that a National Day of Mourning for the Queen can be put into motion this quick does lend hope that a certain other public holiday can finally be scrapped in the future (I’m looking at you Australia Day). For now, be sure to stay safe on those roads.
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