Page 18 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 8 February 2022
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
The ACT Government also provides a number of options for people experiencing difficulties as a result of having received infringement notices.
Infringement notice management plans
It is possible to pay off infringement notices in instalments via an infringement notice management plan. This involves agreeing a manageable amount for regular payments which can be debited from an individual’s nominated bank account. Repayment amounts can be as little as ten dollars a fortnight depending on the circumstances of the customer.
Further information on how Canberrans can establish a management plan and apply for these arrangements is available at:
https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/s/article/traffic-and-parking- infringements-tab-infringement-notice-management-plans
Alternatives to licence suspension
The holder of a full licence may elect to serve a 12-month good behaviour period as an alternative to serving a demerit point suspension. This can be a useful option for people who need to use their vehicles for work or other essential transport reasons.
Throughout the duration of the good behaviour period, the licence holder's demerit point threshold is reduced to just two demerit points. A licence holder is suspended for double the original suspension period if they accrue two or more demerit points during the good behaviour period. Individuals are able to discuss and apply for these good behaviour arrangements by contacting Access Canberra by phone or emailing acinfringements@act.gov.au.
These measures are intended to ensure that individuals who have received an infringement notice as a result of breaking the law do not experience disproportionate hardship as a result.
Benefits already realised from the reduction in speed limits
In addition to the safety benefits, reducing the speed limit in town centres to 40 km/h helps to encourage active travel participation and the use of public transport a key objective of government. The reduced speeds can also lead to reduced noise levels and so can encourage greater activation of busy street frontages.
Pedestrian and cycle count data from December 2019 indicated approximately 14,000 pedestrians crossing Northbourne Avenue at the Alinga Street intersection. Research and evidence show that the introduction of 40km/h zones significantly reduces the risk of death for vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians. The risk of death for a vulnerable road user drops from over 80 per cent when a vehicle is travelling at 60km/h, to 50 per cent when the vehicle is travelling at 40km/h significantly improving the risk to vulnerable road users.
Based on the preliminary reported crash data, there was a reduction in crashes of approximately 36% since the introduction of the 40km/h posted limit areas in Northbourne Avenue, Barry Drive and Cooyong Street.
I trust this information is of assistance.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video