System needed to ensure fair, transparent driving licence point deductions

DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has announced that it is temporarily suspending a pilot implementation of the 2014 Road Safety Regulations (Driving Licence Points System) to determine the most appropriate way of implementing them.

According to the government, the decision to suspend the system was reached to allow for a comprehensive assessment involving all stakeholders, directing the Police Force to establish a better mechanism for identifying traffic offences without using tactics of ambushing .

Understandably, the introduction of a point-deduction system for driving licences can play an important role in improving road safety and encouraging motorists to obey traffic laws.

However, for the system to achieve its intended purpose, it must be designed and implemented in a manner that is fair, transparent and resistant to corruption.

The first priority should be to ensure that points are deducted only when an offence has been properly established.

Drivers should be informed clearly about the offence committed, the number of points attached to it and the evidence supporting the decision.

Where possible, offences should be recorded through technology such as speed cameras, traffic cameras and electronic ticketing systems.

This would reduce unnecessary direct interaction between motorists and enforcement officers and limit opportunities for informal payments. The system should also provide motorists with a straightforward right of appeal.

A driver who believes that points were wrongly deducted should be able to challenge the decision through an independent and accessible mechanism.

Appeals should be handled within clearly defined time limits, with decisions and reasons recorded electronically.

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Importantly, lodging an appeal should not require motorists to negotiate with the same officers who imposed the penalty. Transparency should extend to the rules themselves.

Authorities need to publish a clear schedule showing offences and the corresponding points, as well as the circumstances under which points are removed, suspended or restored.

Drivers should be able to check their points balance through a secure online platform or mobile service.

This would help motorists know their status and identify mistakes early. Strong safeguards against manipulation are equally necessary.

Every deduction should create an electronic audit trail showing who recorded the offence, when it was recorded, what evidence was used and who authorised the penalty.

Finally, enforcement officers should receive proper training and be subject to clear disciplinary procedures for misconduct.

Anti-corruption measures should not focus only on motorists; officials who demand or accept bribes must also face consequences.

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