POINTS DEMERIT SYSTEM (Suspension of licences)

Mr Hwang Soo Jin asked the Minister for Communications (a) how many drivers have had their licences suspended since the introduction of the demerit points system; (b) how many of them are persons whose livelihood depends on driving; and (c) if he will inform the House what sort of appeal system is in operation and whether adequate steps have been taken to ensure fairness and flexibility in cases of extreme hardship.

Mr Ong Teng Cheong: Mr Speaker, Sir, the number of drivers suspended under the Points Demerit System since its inception in March 1975 Is 1,129. Of these, about 150 depend on driving for a living.

When a driver is suspended upon accumulating 12 demerit points within 12 consecutive months, he may appeal to the Registrar of Vehicles for a reduction of his suspension. If he is dissatisfied with the Registrar's decision, he may further appeal to the Minister whose decision shall be final.

Appeals are divided into two categories:

(a) those who do not depend on driving for a living; and

(b) those who depend on driving for a living.

A reduction in the period of suspension ranging from one month to five months has been allowed. Each case is considered on its own merits. When considering an appeal, mitigating factors such as whether the appellant depends on driving for a living, the seriousness of offences committed, past record of offences and the number of dependants of the appellant are taken into account. Cases of extreme hardship have been given careful consideration and treated exceptionally.

However, based on past experience gained, my Ministry will be implementing a revised system for the imposition of penalties. In cases where the offences committed are minor, a letter of warning instead of suspension might be given. For the more serious offences, suspension will continue to be imposed, the duration of the suspension will depend on the gravity of the offences committed and other mitigating factors.

Mr Ho See Beng (Khe Bong): Mr Speaker, Sir, on the question of traffic offences, does the Minister think that it is fair for an offender to be informed of the traffic offence by the Traffic Police at the time when the offence was committed or after one month?

Mr Ong Teng Cheong: Sir, the offenders are informed of the traffic offences as soon as the Registry of Vehicles is in a position to inform the offenders. Normally the information is given to the offenders within two weeks. The exceptional cases are where the offenders have changed their addresses or for some good reason, when there have been slight delays of about three to four weeks. The situation has improved since the Points Demerit System was introduced some time ago. There is actually better coordination between the Traffic Police and the ROV at the present moment.

If the Member has any specific cases of dissatisfaction about the time involved in the information of these offences, I suggest that he inform me.

Mr Hwang Soo Jin (Jalan Kayu): Sir, in view of the harsh action taken, would the Hon. Minister ensure that all notices are issued within, say, a fortnight? Although the Minister mentioned that there is better coordination now, but from my own personal experience I have just been issued with a notice alleging that I committed a traffic offence more than three weeks ago, which I cannot remember.

Mr Ong Teng Cheong: Sir, I cannot ensure that the information will be given to the offenders within two weeks. But I can assure the Member for Jalan Kayu that we will do our best to inform the offenders as soon as possible, preferably, within two weeks.