Double demerits are BACK: Harsh punishments for some Australian drivers start TODAY
- Double demerits come into effect on Friday for drivers in Western Australia
- Penalties run from Friday to Monday inclusive for the Labour Day long weekend
- Police will be targeting drink/drug driving, speeding and mobile phone offences
Double demerit points will come into force from Friday for drivers in Western Australia.
The harsh punishments will run for the length of the Labour Day long weekend from Friday until Monday inclusive.
Police will be targeting drink and drug driving, drivers not wearing seat belts, red light infringements, speeding and mobile phone offences.
Road Safety Commission WA tweeted a friendly reminder to drivers to stay safe behind the wheel.
Drivers in Western Australia will be under double demerit conditions from Friday to Monday
‘Take care on the roads this long weekend!’ the tweet reads.
Meanwhile, Queensland this month more than doubled fines for drivers caught using mobile phones behind the wheel – with the state increasing the penalty from $400 to $1,000.
In addition, drivers caught using their phone twice within a year now lose their licence after the new penalties came into effect on February 1.
While the Sunshine State leads the way in the battle against drivers using their phones, other states are poised to follow suit.
More than 30 people were killed on Queensland roads last year in crashes involving distracted drivers and riders.
More than 57,000 distracted drivers were fined between 2015 and 2017.
Police will be targeting drink and drug driving, drivers not wearing seat belts, red light infringements, speeding and mobile phone offences