Police poised to introduce new points demerit system

Police are getting closer to linking their computer networks to marry speed and traffic cameras, and traffic tickets with vehicle registration data, making it possible to start automating fines in the hope of having a more thorough and accurate penalty system.

The Royal Thai Police say they plan to introduce a penalty point system to deal with traffic offences in an effort to improve road safety in Thailand.

The assistant police chief, Pol. Lt. Gen. Natthorn Prohsunthorn, says efforts must be made to amend traffic laws, since the current penalties are considered too lenient and do not improve traffic offenders’ driving habits.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Natthorn said police are in the process of linking traffic offences to a demerit point system, which authorities would consider when renewing a driver’s license. He said it is unclear when the new system would be introduced.

According to the assistant police chief, each driver would have a full 12 points. If all the points are deducted, the offenders would have their licenses suspended for 90 days. It has not been announced if the 12 points will be renewed at the end of each 12month period (as in some countries).

STORY: Thailand News