Minister acknowledges new fines regime viewed as too draconian
Enough community and industry concern has surfaced about new heavy vehicle penalties for speeding offences on the Adelaide’s South Eastern Freeway (SE Freeway) for changes to take place.
State transport minister Stephan Knoll reveals the extent of the backdown that follows strong statements by government s of both stripes in response to a spate of fatal truck crashes and other incidents on the steep route into the city, particularly in 2014.
“The Marshall Government’s absolute priority is keeping motorists safe on the South Eastern Freeway,” Knoll says as the government seeks to move the Statutes Amendment (Suspension of South Eastern Freeway Offences) Bill 2019.
“We are keeping the same offences which were supported by the Parliament however will seek to reduce the penalties to better reflect community expectations, particularly around first offences.
“We are confident that we are striking the right balance between keeping motorists safe on the South Eastern Freeway and punishing those doing the wrong thing.”
Read what Stephan Knoll had to say on the penalties earlier, here
The new and reduced penalties and provisions are:
- repeal the six month licence disqualification applicable to either of the two SE Freeway offences upon expiation of a first offence and reduce the disqualification periods applicable for a second, third or subsequent offence from 12 months, three years and three years to six months, 12 months and three years respectively
- remove the ability for an Immediate Loss of Licence to be issued roadside for a 1st offence for either of the two SE Freeway offences
- reduce the Court: imposed licence disqualification periods for first, second and subsequent offences where the driver is successfully prosecuted for either of the two SE Freeway offences from 12 months, two years and three years to six months, 12 months and three years respectively
- reduce the current applicable body corporate levy (where no driver is nominated) from $25,000 to $5,000 where the matter is expiated and to between $10,000 and $20,000 where the matter proceeds to court.