Vic to double demerits over holidays?

[balthazarr]

From: http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sto...0-2862,00.html

A PUSH to introduce double demerit points is gaining strength, with thousands one mistake away from being forced off our roads.
...
Police are examining whether Victoria should crack down on drivers twice as hard next Christmas.

Assistant Commissioner (traffic) Ken Lay said double demerit points worked in other states and a team was reviewing it in Victoria.

"We need to find something that bites," he said.
More than 31,000 drivers are on 12-plus demerit points and face immediate suspension.

Another 9950 are on 11 points, while more than 21,000 have racked up 10.

The figures do not include almost 10,000 suspended drivers who will have carry-over demerit points when they get their licences back.
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Mr Lay said double penalty points could help cut the road toll.

Sixteen people died on Victorian roads during the Christmas-New Year period - the highest in the nation - and police fear another horror toll at Easter.

"It's difficult to say that because it works in New South Wales and Western Australia it will work in Victoria," Mr Lay said.

"If we believe it can, we will be going to the government to have this talk."
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The debate comes as the number of disqualified and suspended drivers on our roads soars.

In 2006-07, more than 7000 drivers were convicted in the Magistrates' Court of driving while disqualified or suspended.

It has been described by Chief Magistrate Ian Gray as an "epidemic".

Those caught were only the tip of the iceberg, he said.

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show traffic matters make up almost half of cases heard in magistrates' courts across the nation.
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Vehicle impoundment and immobilisation laws are likely to be recommended for a ramp-up.

Diversion programs, restricted licences, driver education and specialised courts dealing with banned drivers are key areas the council has flagged in its discussion papers.

A submission by the Federation of Community Legal Services recommended offenders could "work off" their demerit points with community service. It is not known if this will be part of the Sentencing Advisory Council's final recommendations.

(my emphasis)

So, we have an "epidemic" of drivers with 10, 11, 12+ points, and they want to double the points?

What is it about Victoria that has brought about this epidemic? I have my own ideas - would love to see statistics showing a breakdown of demerit points.

I suspect that our ridiculous speed camera tolerance would have something to do with the epidemic. Well, that and people's crap driving.