NSW: NSW govt unveils demerit points change

AAP General News (Australia)
12-11-2004
NSW: NSW govt unveils demerit points change

SYDNEY, Dec 11 AAP - Parking in a bus zone will no longer attract demerit points but
parking over a school crossing will, under changes unveiled by the NSW government today.

The changes take effect from March 1, 2005, a month later than planned, and follow
consultation with the Transport Workers' Union, the Taxi Drivers' Association, the NSW
Road Transport Association and other professional motoring groups.

"I'm now satisfied that demerits for double parking and parking in bus zones was likely
to put some people out of work and some companies out of business - that was never the
intention," Roads Minister Carl Scully said in a statement.

"Under the revised scheme, demerit points for the offences of double parking and stopping
in a bus stop or bus zone will now not be introduced."

However, he said, "in the interest of school safety, demerit points will now apply
for parking on pedestrian and school crossings".

The month-long delay implementing the change was to "allow more time to develop a major
publicity campaign to educate the community about the upcoming changes".

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KEYWORD: POINTS

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