In their study, Walton and fellow researcher Dr Ross Hendy, of Melbourne’s Monash University, analysed driver data between 2017 and 2019. Researchers argue a policy rethink is needed to get tougher on serial speeders – with an overhauled demerit system being one option. In Switzerland, for instance, fines were scaled to a driver’s wealth, making penalties for speeding far more substantial and, potentially, a greater deterrent. Ultimately, he said the analysis couldn’t conclusively answer whether tougher fines would be enough to deter that hardcore group of speeders. “Or would a new fine system change the total profile of risk, reducing the overall likelihood of being in a crash?

Source: New Zealand Herald November 17, 2024 16:13 UTC