Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles-Robinson has commented on the government’s proposal to remove the demerit points system.
Following the opening of the 13th Parliament on Friday, she highlighted the significance of demerit points, adding that the government must address the legislation when it comes to this issue.
“The demerit system may not have been perfect, but I think the critical issue, focus, was the whole issue of road safety. When we look at the data we do know that there are a lot of deaths, there are a lot of road accidents, and as a country that must be a matter that we should arrest. So I am happy that it was raised and it is a matter we ourselves, we are looking forward to see exactly what it is the government is proposing because it is not going to be a simple issue where you just cancel the demerit points.”
The Opposition Leader said their position is not to scrap it in totality.
“We would like to know exactly what they mean when they say to remove the demerit points. We have heard the public, some people have complained that they do feel that it’s too penal, but we want to know exactly what do they mean by that. If you look at many countries in the world, they do have a demerit system and a lot of it is linked to insurance, to your driver’s permit.”