NSW Govt after more money

Looks like Carr needs extra money to fix the Police Force after the Abo- attack :-)

Driving fines set for hike

THE NSW Government could hike fines for minor traffic offences and introduce a slew of new demerit point penalties under proposed changes announced today.

Under the proposal, stopping on or near a pedestrian crossing will now attract a $225 fine and a loss of three demerit points. The fine for having an obscured or defaced number plate will rise from $76 to $300 and the loss of three demerit points.

Driving a car with a radar or speed camera detecting device on it will cost a driver nine demerit points on top of a fine of $1175.

Unsafe towing and towing-related passenger safety offences also will attract three demerit points.

Roads Minister Carl Scully said the penalties review was aiming for consistency across offences and there were no fixed plans on the table.

The proposal calls for 15 bands of offences, ranging from minor pedestrian and cycling matters (1), through low-level speeding (5), driving with unrestrained passengers (10) and speeding over 45km/h above the limit (15).

"This scheme will provide a rational order of offences and commensurate penalties," Mr Scully told parliament.

The minister has called for public comment on the review.