The Government plans to launch a pilot demerit points system for motorists in September as part of efforts to improve road safety and reduce traffic-related deaths, Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Rathnayake told Parliament.
The Minister said stronger enforcement measures are needed to improve driving standards, noting that traditional regulations alone have not been sufficient to curb reckless behaviour on the roads.
He said Sri Lanka recorded 2,750 road accident deaths last year, with motorcyclists and pedestrians accounting for the majority of fatalities.
According to the proposed system, drivers will be allocated 24 points on their licences, with points deducted for traffic violations. Repeated offences could lead to penalties, including the suspension of driving privileges.
Rathnayake said previous attempts to introduce the system had faced delays due to irregularities and administrative challenges within the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT).
He also highlighted ongoing reforms at the DMT, including digitalisation initiatives and measures aimed at reducing corruption, improving efficiency, and modernising services through the e-Motoring project. (Newswire)