The NSW Government has initiated a major crackdown on those using mobile phones behind the wheel.

A five demerit point penalty will now be imposed on motorists who are caught driving whilst using their mobile device. A driver caught during a double demerit period could also cop a total licence loss under the new reform package.

Minister for Roads, Melinda Pavey, thinks the clampdown will make motorists think twice before engaging with their devices on the road.

“I think the majority of the community is with us on this,” says Pavey.

“But as always, we are affected by the minority. The minority is what causes us the trouble, we see it everyday as we’re driving around. People inappropriately on their phones.”

“We had quite a number of discussions internally in government and I think we’ve landed at the right place. But it’s never going to be the right place until people do the right thing. It would be wonderful not to have fines, and not to have demerit points. We’re always being accused of revenue raising.”

“But be assured we put that money back into road safety.”

Ms Pavey also outlined changes into legislation surrounding drug use and driving.

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