Speedsters encouraged to use a speedo sticker

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Speedsters will be encouraged to slap a sticker on or around their speedometer to serve as a "subliminal" reminder against building up demerit points.

Police in the Western Bay of Plenty hoped the initiative would reduce the number of injuries and deaths speeding drivers caused.

Police officers could now use their mobile phones to check the demerit status of drivers pulled over or travelling through routine checkpoints.

Those accumulating points would be encouraged to display a sticker but other drivers could also request one.

The sticker was designed to fit in the empty space of an RPM counter or speedometer. Police said these locations let the stickers be seen without causing distractions or restricting visibility.

Senior Constable Darren Adams of Tauranga said his idea would help remind drivers about the dangers of speeding and the nuisance of accumulating demerit points.

"Most motorists don't keep track of their demerit status, and often it's only when they reach 100 demerits and face the inconvenience of having their licence suspended that realisation sets in."

He hoped to see more drivers keep their speed in check, and have fewer lives lost on roads.

"Ideally we want people to keep their speed down purely because it is the safest way to drive," Mr Adams said.

"It's important to remember that having a driver's licence is a privilege, not a right. Licences are for people who are deemed responsible to make good driving decisions," Mr Adams said.

"We hope a frequent but subtle reminder that the privilege could be taken away will encourage greater driver responsibility."

A sticker trial was underway in the Western Bay of Plenty but if deemed successful the stickers would be more widely distributed.

Stickers were available from the Tauranga and Tauranga South Police Stations.