NSW fine revenue figures
Monday, February 11th, 2008A News Limited investigation has found the NSW Government made $312 million in revenue from motorists in the last financial year. Six years ago the figure was less than half that, at $118 million.
Speed and red light cameras, police-issued speeding fines, parking fines and general traffic offences have all contributed to the figure, as well as rising fine costs.
In the six year period, the number of licensed drivers rose by almost half a million, from 3.6 million to 4.03 million. Despite the increase in road users, last year’s road toll was the state’s lowest since World War II, with 445 deaths.
Roads Minister Eric Roozendaal credited the tough law enforcement as the reason for the low road toll, saying the number “shows our strategies are working.”
NRMA Motoring & Services President Alan Evans disagreed, saying that the low road toll was thanks to “better drivers, better cars and better roads.”
Are the heavy penalties saving lives? Are the figures a reflection of our driving ability? Or are motorists just being bullied?