POINTS DEMERIT SYSTEM (Defensive driving course for offenders)

Mr Yeo Toon Chia asked the Minister for Communications and Acting Minister for Culture (a) how many motorists have been suspended monthly since the implementation of the Points Demerit System; and (b) whether his Ministry will consider conducting a defensive driving course for offenders instead of suspending their driving licences and causing hardship to those whose livelihood depends on driving.

The Minister for Communications (Mr Ong Teng Cheong): Mr Speaker, Sir, a total of 3,347 motorists have been suspended under the Points Demerit System since its implementation in March, 1975. An average of about 200 per month were suspended during 1978. To save time, I have given a full breakdown of the monthly figures (Cols. 1203 - 1204) to the Clerk of Parliament. If the hon. Member so wishes, he may obtain a copy from him. figures - NUMBER OF DRIVERS SUSPENDED UNDER THE POINTS DEMERIT SYSTEM (Cols. 1203 - 1204)

The Ministries of Communications and Home Affairs are jointly working on a scheme to rehabilitate suspended motorists. This may take the form of a defensive driving course. Those who complete the course will have their suspension periods shortened. Details are being worked out and should be finalised by the end of this year. Much as I would like to, I am afraid we cannot do away with the suspension because it is an effective deterrent against bad driving. We do, however, mitigate the hardship in deserving cases. Those whose livelihood requires them to drive are always treated sympathetically.

Mr Yeo Toon Chia (Ang Mo Kio): Mr Speaker, Sir, can the Minister enlighten this House on the criteria used in deciding the suspension period of the motorists?

Mr Ong Teng Cheong: Mr Speaker, Sir, it all depends on the nature and the seriousness of the offence committed by the motorist. As I have mentioned sometime ago in this House, if a motorist commits only minor offences, such as crossing double white lines or forming up in the incorrect lane when turning left or right, and if it is the first time he accumulated 12 or more points on offences of this nature, then there will only be warning letters. There will be no suspension. The suspension can stretch up to a maximum of six months if the offences committed are of a serious nature. I do not know whether the Member wants me to go into the details on the types of offences and the combination of points in order to come to a decision on the period of suspension.

Mr Yeo Toon Chia: Sir, I think it is a very good idea if the Minister concerned can give us a list of the offenders and the demerit points awarded to all these offenders, especially when we, as Members of Parliament, find it very difficult to deal with the public when they come to see us about these matters. Sometimes, a lot of these cases are left to the discretion of the Traffic Police. I believe that with such a list of demerit points given to such offenders, it will be very much easier for us to explain to the public.

Mr Ong Teng Cheong: Mr Speaker, Sir, I think the Member is referring to the list of offences, not offenders. I can definitely provide a list of these offences, the points given and the combination of these points which would result in the varying period of suspension.