Thousands of people scared of losing their licence, and possibly a job, have paid others to take the demerit points for their infringements, according to someone who has profited from the scam.
But the New South Wales (NSW) government has vowed to crackdown on the practise with a review of the state’s demerit points system also now underway.
A three-month probe will investigate suspected gaming of the process which allows another driver to be nominated as liable for infringement demerit points.
It will target 0.005 percent of the state’s almost seven million licence holders—about 350 people—who have 20 or more demerit points.
It will also review the suitability of current penalties, suspensions and other measures to deter people who rack up demerit points, given the same five-month suspension applies to drivers whether they have 13 points or more than 20.
Several ads on Facebook Marketplace, from multiple accounts under different names but all featuring the same contact number, offered to deal with demerit points for as little as $30.
Contacted on the requested encrypted messaging platform on July 19, the number responded with an automated message due to having “lots of clients,” requesting a photo of the fine and further identification details.
“Once I have all the information I will get back to you and get the fine done for you as soon as possible,” the message promised.
A response about an hour later described the offer as a “service that helps the community.”
“Honestly, I’m trying to help people not lose their licence,” the message read.
“I understand that the law is the law. But sometimes people have to do certain things and that’s why I’m here to help them.”
People seeking help with demerit points were often in fear of losing their job due to a mistake costing them their licence, and the “service” had helped “thousands,” the messenger told AAP.
The government’s crackdown comes after a French delivery rider was found to have racked up more than 200 demerit points on his NSW licence in May.
More than five decades on from the initial design of the demerit points scheme, it was time for a review, Roads Minister John Graham said on July 19.
“The NSW government has zero tolerance for anyone trying to subvert the system,” he said.
“There is one set of road rules and they apply equally to all.”
The task force includes Transport for NSW, NSW Police, and Revenue NSW.
The NSW road toll for 2024 stood at 190 on July 19, 16 more deaths than the same time last year, and 28 above the state’s three-year average.
