[Greens-Media] Tas Greens_Speed Reduction Initiatives Urgently Needed_T Morris MP

[greens at parliament.tas.gov.au]

MINISTER ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL

While Drivers Continue to Speed On By ... 

Tim Morris MP
Greens Shadow Police Spokesperson

Sunday, 19 October 2008
Contact: State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens, (03) 6233
8300

www.tas.greens.org.au


The Tasmanian Greens today called on the Bartlett Labor government to
trial new speed-reduction methods in Tasmania after Tasmania Police
reported their dismay at booking almost 900 drivers for speeding during
the weekend of the Bathurst 1000 motoring event, despite pre-warning
motorists that a Police blitz would occur.

Greens Shadow Police spokesperson Tim Morris MP said current
speed-reduction strategies are obviously not gaining the traction
required, and called on Police Minister Jim Cox to consider trialling a
double-demerit points system for public holidays and significant
weekends.

"Tasmania Police had a well-publicised anti-speeding focus last weekend
due to the Bathurst 1000 being held, yet they still booked 886 drivers,
describing the high numbers of speeding drivers as 'disturbing' - this
is equivalent to a speeding epidemic," said Mr Morris.

"Despite these appalling figures, Minister Cox, who is bereft of his own
ideas on this issue, continues to refuse to consider the introduction or
trialling of any new initiatives aimed at reducing excessive speeding."

"When asked in Parliament this week to detail any alternative strategies
the government has towards the speeding epidemic, it was worryingly
evident that the Minister has no alternatives."

"If speeding drivers will not pay attention to repeated public calls to
slow down, or to the current speeding penalties being imposed, then we
need to do something new that will cut through the fog in these people's
minds."

"The Greens appreciate concerns from some quarters that a double-demerit
scheme may not be the only answer, but we will never know until we try,
and it is now becoming evident that something new is needed and that a
trial of the double-demerit system is warranted."

"Tasmania Police are obviously unhappy about the amount of drivers who
are still prepared to speed and it is urgent that the Minister show some
leadership on the issue and starts trialling alternative speed reduction
policies and programs."

"With nine hundred speeding drivers booked on one weekend and the
higher-risk summer holiday period fast approaching, I believe that now
is the time to trial a double-demerit points system," said Mr Morris.




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