New penalties to save lives on WA roads

• Higher penalties from midnight tonight for traffic offences

• Double demerit points this weekend

• Motorists urged to drive safely and use common sense on WA roads

Following a horror fortnight on Western Australian roads, Acting Road Safety Minister John Day is calling on West Australians to take extra care when driving this long weekend.

The call comes as penalty increases for a range of traffic offences take effect at midnight tonight.  

The fine for using a mobile phone while driving is now $400, running a red light $300, failure to wear a motorcycle helmet $550 and four demerit points; and failing to keep a safe distance when overtaking $300.

Mr Day said higher penalties should discourage motorists from committing traffic offences that endangered themselves and others.

"Any loss of life or serious injury on our roads is entirely preventable - no family should be facing the loss of a loved one through road trauma," he said.

"Double demerits and higher penalties should encourage safe driving behaviour.  We know the majority of our road users do the right thing, but those who take risks when driving are a danger to themselves and others.

"These measures should serve as a deterrent to poor behaviour and will protect our community at large.  We all need to take responsibility for how we use our roads, so encourage your loved ones to act safely and look out for each other."

Today, Mr Day also introduced new legislation that would support future penalty increases for developing road safety issues.

Double demerits will be in place this long weekend from Friday, September 26 to Monday, September 29 (inclusive).  Offences include speeding, drink or drug driving, failing to wear a seatbelt and/or child restraint, running a red light and illegally using a mobile phone while driving.  Many of these offences are now also subject to penalty increases.

       Fact File

• The State Government approved the penalty changes in July and conducted a State-wide public awareness campaign

• Higher penalties relate to distractions (such as mobile phones), failure to give way, disobeying access control signs, failure to keep left and overtaking, following too closely, non-restraint and non-helmet use, drink driving and speeding

• See the complete list at http://www.ors.wa.gov.au/penaltychanges

Road Safety Minister's office - 6552 5900