Black points keep motorists in check

The new fines regime requires clarity but the tougher penalties will have an effect

Abu Dhabi Police announced the introduction of a new regime of fines starting on July 1, as part of a nationwide vision for zero road fatalities by 2020. As The National reported yesterday, motorists who were given black points for minor traffic offences will see these wiped off their traffic record in the meantime, while black points will be retained for motorists with serious offences such as driving under the influence, endangering lives and damaging property.

Enforcing speed limits and seat-belts for all vehicle passengers, mandatory car seats for children and respecting pedestrian crossings are but a few of the areas the new traffic rules will address.

The central problem that comes to light is driving attitude. The behaviour of motorists is linked to varying driver education in home countries, but there is also a general tendency to brush fines off as if they were part of life here rather than a warning to slow down and behave better. In July 2016, traffic authorities in Abu Dhabi dispensed with the 50 per cent discount on traffic fines, with the hope that steep fines would hit motorists where it hurts more: in their pockets. But will the removal of points obtained for minor offences truly alter behaviour in the short term?

A black-points system helps keep motorists in check, as serious offences sanctioned by 23 black points go hand-in-hand with vehicle confiscation and driving licence suspension. However, room must be left for positive reinforcement, and clarity is of the essence when it comes to implementation, to ensure transgressions committed before July 1 do not go unsanctioned. Further clarity on speed limits and buffer speeds is also necessary, as there can be no grey areas when it comes to road safety.

In 2014, the Emirates Driving Company introduced a traffic black-points reduction programme, in the form of training and rehabilitation for traffic offenders who have accumulated no more than 24 black points, giving them the opportunity to mend their ways. Such programmes are highly beneficial in instilling proper driver education and should be compulsory for persistent offenders.

In addition to community service for the most incorrigible offenders, the black points system accompanied by a rehabilitation programme would deter unlawful behaviour and help change attitudes.