Stricter law proposed to boost road safety |15 December 2011

The Cabinet of Ministers has resolved to present a Bill to the National Assembly to amend the current Road Transport Act in order to introduce these new measures.

The Bill proposes that the driving licence of a driver or motor cycle rider would be automatically suspended upon causing death or serious injury by driving/riding.

The driving licence would be reinstated if the driver is found not guilty by the court.
If found guilty, the license would be revoked for two years.

Furthermore, there would be a permanent revocation of the driving licence if a convicted offender has been found guilty upon two or more occasions of causing death or serious injury by reckless driving or riding.

This new measure would also be complemented by a Demerit Point System for Greater Driving Discipline on Public Roads, whereby drivers who commit traffic offences will lose ‘points’ on their driving licence.

If these offences are frequent, the licence will be suspended.

For example, drivers that are stopped by the police for driving under the influence of alcohol will not only receive a fine, but also lose points on their licence.

The proposed amendments to the Act also include the creation of an Environment and Traffic Tribunal under the portfolio of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Environment, Transport and Energy, in order to try traffic and environment cases in a swift and equitable manner.

There would be a criminal tribunal under the supervision of the judiciary, with the Attorney General’s Office as the prosecuting agent. Minor offences and fines would be brought before the tribunal as a matter of course. However, major or serious offences would be filed for prosecution either to the tribunal or to the court.

The tribunal would work with the police and the Seychelles Licensing Authority in order to implement the Demerit Point System.

The Bill also proposes some new traffic offences, some of which are:
• Using a mobile phone while driving (except when using an earpiece or “hands free” set).

• Racing on the public road

• Driving through a red traffic light

• Driving without being in possession of a valid driving licence

• Using a vehicle with modified exhaust systems, horns and silencers and use of ultra bright halogen lamps

• Cyclists holding onto any moving vehicle while riding their bicycles

• Improper opening of a vehicle door

• Driver failing to ensure passenger is secured.

The Cabinet of Ministers advised that the new Bill should be complemented by stronger law enforcement measures as well as a public education campaign on safe driving.

The Bill is being finalised by the Department of Legal Affairs and will be presented thereafter to the National Assembly.