New South Wales

The process of obtaining "fitness to drive" certification for NSW motorists over the age of 75 has been streamlined and simplified by the state government. Older drivers are, however, still required to undergo an annual GP and optometrist assessment. The documentation can now be completed by a relevant medical professional online and customers no longer need to visit a Service NSW Centre to have it ratified, a Transport for NSW spokesperson told CarAdvice.

Australia's Easter long weekend road toll has fallen in 2020 compared to 2019, as motorists stay home amid coronavirus lockdowns. According to provisional figures, six Australians lost their lives on the nation's roads over the five-day period from Thursday through to Easter Monday, compared with 19 during the same period last year. Six deaths is less than half of the five-year average of 15 deaths, with the lowest Easter road toll in recent years being eight people in 2016.

Western Australia is joining Queensland in implementing steeper fines and harsher penalties for motorists using their mobile phone while driving. From July 1, 2020, an on-the-spot fine of $1000 and four demerit points will apply to the offence of texting, emailing, using social media, watching videos or accessing the internet while driving. The current penalty for driver phone use in WA is a $400 fine and three demerit points.

Sydney drivers have Australia's worst commute, with the average worker spending more than 70 minutes getting to and from work. According to the latest Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey, the average Sydney commuter suffers through a 71-minute daily round trip. Brisbane drivers were the second worst-off at 67 minutes, while Melburnians face an average commute time of 65 minutes.

Transport for New South Wales has announced a $10 million fund for connected and autonomous vehicle trials, as it looks to ramp up self-driving research within its borders. Released yesterday, the fund is part of a Connected and Automated Vehicles Plan outlining how to create a "sustainable transport system that improves on safety, efficiency and the customer experience" for users.