The NSW government announced new road safety measures including an increase in demerit points from four to five for illegal mobile phone use while driving.

Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said the higher demerit points would help change the way drivers acted on the roads.

“We know from a recent RMS survey that 74 per cent of the community support a crackdown to illegal phone use behind the wheel,” she said. 

“We all see it and the community has had enough. 

“We have already introduced legislation to enable camera-based technology so it can be used to enforce mobile phone offences in the future, a world first.”

Changes will also be made to reduce the risk of driving while impaired by prescription drugs, including clearer guidance on when doctors should report a patient to a Driver Licensing Authority if they have concerns.