RTA officer gave test answers to drivers

NSW's anti-corruption watchdog has recommended a Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) officer and two other men face charges over a licences-for-cash scam.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) released Thursday its findings following a probe into the actions of Registry Services manager Paul McPherson at the RTA's Botany office, in Sydney's south-east.

ICAC Commissioner Jerrold Cripps, QC, said Mr McPherson gave up to 100 motorists the correct answers to their L-Plate licence tests, while others were given advance warning of the route of their on-road test.

False email records were also created to allow migrant New Zealanders to obtain NSW driver's licences as part of the scam, which involved McPherson, driving instructor Komate Jaturawong and restaurant owner Victor Phomsavanh.

"The ICAC found that from late 2002 to August 2006, Mr McPherson improperly provided correct answers to between 50-100 applicants undertaking the driver knowledge test for a learner's permit," Commissioner Cripps said.

"(His) corrupt actions resulted in a significant number of people who may not have understood NSW road rules or even, in some cases, known how to drive properly, being granted licences to drive on public roads.

"Licences were also provided in false names, allowing people to create fictitious identities."

ICAC found cash payments of up to $2,400 were paid by each motorist who sought to cheat the system, and this money was divvied up by the three men.

Commissioner Cripps said the scam had endangered lives on NSW's roads, and made 22 recommendations as to how the RTA should improve its processes to ensure it was not repeated.

Corruption findings were also made against 18 drivers who obtained their car, motorcycle or truck licence through the scam, and four other people involved in an attempt to "procure the services of an RTA officer to remove demerit points" from a driver.

The report will now be forwarded to the NSW Director of Public Prosecutions, who can lay criminal charges.