‘It has merit’: The idea to means test driving fines based on income

Speeding and traffic fines issued to Australian drivers would be means tested based on income under a proposal floated at the NSW Labor conference on the weekend.

The fines for speeding, running a red light or talking on a mobile phone would vary dependent on the driver’s disposal income.

The idea has merit to make the system fairer for both low and high-income earners, CEO of WestJustice Denis Nelthorpe told Tony Jones.

“The idea of a fine is not meant to be revenue raising although I suspect these days that’s the main purpose,” he said.

“A fine is meant to change behaviour and to be a deterrent.

“If someone is really wealthy and driving a Ferrari at 150km/hr and goes before the court, and you fine them a pittance, in terms of their overall wealth, it doesn’t achieve deterrence or change behaviour.”

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