In a move that will please many motorists, the State Government has introduced a new demerit point system for speeding.

The new system started on July 1.

It is more lenient on drivers who travel over the limit by less than 10km/h.

Before, motorists caught driving up to 10km/h over the limit lost up to three demerit points.

Under the new system drivers caught travelling 1-10km/h over the speed limit will lose one demerit point and cop an $84 fine.

Roads Minister Michael Daley believes the new system will make it fairer for motorists, as well as keep our roads safer.

“There is no such thing as safe speeding but I have always acknowledged the system could be fairer for motorists who inadvertently speed by just a few kilometres over the limit,” he said.

“But the more you speed, the more harshly you will be punished and make no mistake - anyone caught doing more than 10km/h over the limit is either deliberately speeding or not paying attention and these motorists will not escape lightly.”

From Wednesday, the following demerit point system applied for unrestricted licence holders:

- 1 to 10km/h over the speed limit will attract one demerit point and an $84 fine.

- 11 to 20kmh over the speed limit will attract three demerit points and a $197 fine.

- 21 to 30kmh over the speed limit will attract four demerit points and a $338 fine.

- 31 to 45kmh will result in a three month suspension, five demerit points and a $647 fine.

- Over 45km/h will result in a six month suspension, six demerit points and a $1744 fine.

Mr Daley also introduced a new system for P-plate drivers.

From Wednesday, P2 (green P-plate driver) drivers caught speeding from 1km/h to 30km/h over the limit will lose an additional demerit point.

For red P-plate drivers, Kempsey High School year 12 students Tash Yarnold and Christine Appleby, the new laws mean the principle of one strike and you’re out still applies.

The RTA sent out a letter to all P-plate drivers, warning them of the tougher penalties that now apply.

“I received the letter from the RTA but I thought it was a speeding ticket at first,” Tash Yarnold said.

“I think red P-plate drivers should get one chance if they get caught speeding up to 10km/h over the limit.”