Proposed demerit system could see drivers’ licences suspended

Government has proposed a demerit system for motorists which could see drivers losing their licences for up to one year based on the number of demerits.

Attorney-General Anil Nandlall tabled the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2014 in the National Assembly last month and in it are several provisions that were part of a previous bill rejected by the opposition when it was brought to the House by Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee last year. These include provisions for imprisonment, fines and the suspension of the driver’s licence of any person who operates a vehicle in the commission of an offence.

Clause Four of the Bill inserts eight new sections which provide a regime for the administration of the demerit points system.