Colombo, October 21 (Daily Mirror) - The demerit points system for traffic offences will come into full effect from April 1 next year, following a six-month public awareness campaign, Commissioner General of Motor Traffic, retired Air Vice Marshal Thushara Fernando said.
Addressing a television programme he said the awareness campaign, which began on October 1, would continue until March 31, with police officers educating motorists on how demerit points would be imposed for traffic offences, in addition to the existing penalties.
“The public has been given six months to understand the system before it comes into effect,” Fernando said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Motor Traffic is also planning to introduce vehicle fitness tests to ensure that vehicles on the roads are in a roadworthy condition.
Fernando said discussions were underway to determine the criteria for the proposed tests, including whether they should be conducted according to a vehicle’s mileage or a specified time period.
He said the matter had been referred to the Ministry’s legal division, while the views of the Sri Lanka Police were also being considered. The public would be informed of the final decision before April 1 next year.
Under the proposed system, vehicle owners would be able to take their vehicles to garages approved by the Department of Motor Traffic to obtain fitness certificates without the need for an examiner from the department to be present.
The department has already advertised the opportunity for private garages to participate in the programme and is accepting applications, he said.
Fernando said the proposed fitness tests were aimed at reducing fatal road accidents by ensuring that vehicles were safe to be driven on public roads.
“Obtaining an Eco Test certificate alone is not enough. It is also necessary to check whether a vehicle is roadworthy,” he said.
He said the measures were being introduced to protect the public and prevent the loss of lives on the roads. Although motorists might initially view the new requirements as an additional burden, their benefits would become clear as road safety improved, he added.