Points system for motorists to improve road discipline

A driver improvement points system where motorists would have their driving licences cancelled on points accumulated for traffic offences, will be in place before year end, officials said.

The proposal initially made more than two years back, has obtained the approval of a committee of the Justice Ministry and the Attorney General's Dept, and is due be placed before Cabinet within two months.

Transport Ministry Secretary, Nihal Somaweera said that, under the scheme, a driver who accumulates 24 points will have to surrender his licence for one year.

He said, initially, they hope to implement the proposal for three offences. They are, reckless driving or dangerous driving or speeding (8 points), driving negligently or without consideration (8 points) and exceeding prescribed speed limit (6 points).

Points regarding other offences have also been determined, but will be implemented only in the second phase. (see graphic for details).

Mr Somaweera said the objective was to improve quality of driving and thereby reduce road accidents.

Motor Traffic Commissioner General Jagath Chandrasiri told the Sunday Times that those obtaining new driving licences will be put under a probationary period of one year and if six points are accumulated during this period, the probationary period will be extended by another year. A further accumulation of six more points during that period will lead to the cancellation of the licence, compelling the person to reapply.

The Motor Traffic Department will collect data from police stations and courts on a monthly basis to update their records. The records will be available to police stations through a card reading system or a mobile application, where police can check on the points accumulated to date.

The system will be applicable to motorcyclists as well.