There are renewed calls for Australia to adopt a Finnish style model where speeding fines are issued based on the driver’s income.
Flat-rate traffic penalties for SpeedingDrivers are unfair and “regressive” particularly in the current cost-of-living crisis, according to a report published by think tank The Australia Institute.
A new report from the think tank is calling for a more equitable Finnish traffic fine model to be implemented in Australia.
Having a billionaire pay the same $200 speeding fine as a low-income earner is unfair, the institute’s research manager and report co-author Alice Grundy said.
“Australia’s regressive speeding fine system effectively criminalises poverty,” she said.
NSW drivers currently pay a $361 fine if caught speeding between 10km/h to 19km/h above the limit, but under the proposal, drivers could receive a fine ranging from $75 to $885 based on their income.
Here’s what the Australia Institute says would be a fairer payment model:
NSW: Between $75 and $885 (Current fine is $361)
Victoria: Between $75 and $850 (Current fine is $330)
Queensland: Between $75 and $829 (Current fine is $266)
Western Australia: Between $75 and $917 (Current fine is $200)
South Australia: Between $75 and $750 (Current fine is $406)
Tasmania: Between $75 and $804 (Current fine is $150)
ACT: Between $75 and $750 (Current fine is $489)
Northern Territory: Between $75 and $849 (Current fine is $300)
