AARTO NO PROBLEM
FOR CAREFUL DRIVERS
Careful drivers have nothing to fear when the AARTO
demerit points system is introduced. This is the view of the
Automobile Association which says it has received numerous
enquiries about the implementation of the points demerit
system. “As matters currently stand, we have not received
any notification from the Department of Transport that the
system is scheduled for implementation in the near future,”
says the AA.
“We believe it will still take some time for the issues
surrounding AARTO to be resolved to the point where
nationwide implementation of AARTO and the points demerit
system is feasible.” However, the launch was unlikely to be
postponed indefinitely and the points demerit system would
eventually become a reality.
With many motorists concerned about what the system
would mean to them, the AA re-assures drivers that if they
drive cautiously, they have nothing to fear.
“Any points you do acquire by committing traffic violations
expire at the rate of one every three months,” explained the
AA. “So if you do get the odd minor fine, it’s unlikely to tip
you over the 12-point limit which would cost your licence.
But if you frequently commit serious infringements, like
driving through red traffic lights or crossing barrier lines,
you will find yourself exceeding the 12-point limit in no
time at all.”
The AA says that this touches on a major aspect of the
points demerit system: it does not target the occasional
violator, but the habitual one.
Repeat violators would have their licences suspended once
they lost more than twelve points and if they were caught
driving while their licences were suspended, they risked
having their licences cancelled altogether and being forced
to re-take the driving test.
The AA also notes that if a motorist were to crash while
their licence was suspended, their insurer would be entitled
to repudiate the claim. “That is of benefit to law-abiding
motorists – they will no longer have to pay higher premiums
to subsidise bad drivers,” says the AA.
Insurers would probably implement premium hikes related
to the number of points a driver had against their licence,
providing a financial incentive for people to drive more
cautiously.
When the points demerit system was implemented, it would
be good news for drivers who were prepared to toe the line.
“Cautious drivers have nothing to fear from AARTO.
The AA’s view is that the sooner points demerit is
implemented, the better. It’s time habitual lawbreakers on
our roads were shown the door,” concludes the AA.