Non-renewalofdriving licences not the way to go
THE non-renewal of driving licences can have many complications.
Non-renewal due to the non-payment of traffic fines is fraught with danger. It can also deprive a person of his livelihood if he works as a driver.
An even more ominous prospect is that when a person is deprived of a licence and is involved in an accident, resulting in injury, death or property loss, the insurance firm may not be obliged to pay compensation to the victim as per the insurance terms and conditions.
This could expose those involved to personal liability and complicate matters.
Recently, it was announced that fines issued under the Automated Enforcement System (AES) would have to be paid and there would be no reprieve, as had been expected by a majority of motorists.
A few hundred thousand fines have been issued under AES over the years.
Many offenders may not settle their fines, possibly resulting in the non-renewal of their driving licences, especially in these lean times, when the cost of living has gone up, which has affected many in the low-income group.
The authorities need to take note that the non-payment of traffic fines is a separate issue and should not be used to penalise a driver by depriving him of a licence.
Should the offender be unable to settle his fines in one payment, he should then be allowed to pay in instalments or have the fine amount deducted from his salary if he is a commercial driver or government employee.
If he is entitled to the 1Malaysia People’s Aid, the fine amount can be deducted from his entitlement.
The offender could also be threatened with an arrest warrant and possible imprisonment if his fines remain unpaid despite reminders.
The authorities need to explore more effective ways to collect fines from traffic offenders instead of opting for the non-renewal of driving licences, which, as mentioned above, can result in complications.
With more and more traffic fines being issued every year, a better collection system needs to be thought of and put in place.