A task force has been set up to crack down on suspected fraudsters who have helped “customers” circumvent the points system.
The three-month investigation is expected to focus on suspicion of manipulation of the process that allows penalty points to be assigned to another driver for an infringement, the New South Wales government said on Friday.
The measure is aimed at 0.005 percent of the state's nearly 7 million drivers – or about 350 people – who have 20 or more penalty points.
It will also examine whether the current penalties, suspensions and other measures are sufficient to deter people from accumulating penalty points, as drivers are subject to the same five-month ban regardless of whether they have 13 or more points.
In several ads on Facebook Marketplace, several accounts under different names but with the same contact number offered to facilitate the removal of penalty points for as little as $30.
When we contacted them on Friday using the requested encrypted messaging platform, the number responded with an automated message asking for a photo of the fine and further identification details.
“As soon as I have all the information, I will contact you and settle the fine for you as quickly as possible,” the message promised.
Potential customers were assured that they would not have to pay anything until the fine was paid in order to protect them from being “cheated by others”.
“Don’t be alarmed as I have set up an automated message for many customers,” it said.
The raid came after a French delivery driver was found to have accumulated more than 200 penalty points on his driving licence in May.
More than five decades after the points system was first designed, it is time for a revision, said Highways Minister John Graham on Friday.
“The New South Wales Government has zero tolerance for individuals who attempt to undermine the system,” he said.
“There is one set of traffic rules and they apply equally to everyone.”
The task force includes Transport for NSW, NSW Police and Revenue NSW.