Road Safety: The Return of the Points-Based License System

In a dramatic turn of events, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has announced that the points-based driving license system, which the previous administration scrapped, will soon make a comeback. This revelation came in response to a question from Franco Quirin, the parliamentary representative for constituency number 20.

The Prime Minister’s announcement is more than just bureaucratic renewal; it came amid a deeply troubling trend that poses a grave danger on our roads.

Statistics revealed a worrisome increase in drivers found to be under the influence of drugs after being involved in accidents.

In a span from January 1, 2024, to January 30, 2025, 13 drivers involved in road incidents tested positive for drugs, tragically leading to two fatalities among these crashes.

Furthermore, the numbers speak for themselves:

1,146 drivers were penalised for drug or substance intoxication during this period alone.

Just last weekend, police conducted a staggering 18,258 vehicle checks, resulting in 3,900 citations and 1,286 fixed penalties.

Alarmingly, in these checks, 54 drivers were caught driving under the influence of alcohol, while 14 tested positive for drugs.

Confronted with this alarming situation, the police have sprung into action, launching an array of initiatives to combat driving under the influence of illicit substances.

These efforts include:

– 2,771 awareness campaigns held in shopping centres, schools, and bus stations.

– Informative sessions on road safety and responsible driving tailored for private companies.

– An increase in regular patrols.

– 3,378 targeted operations aimed at deterring offenders, particularly those abusing alcohol or drugs.

Source: Defi Media