A points system to penalise law-breaking drivers is to be introduced next week to crackdown on bad driving.

Drivers will now receive points on their licence every time they are caught speeding or violating other traffic laws.

Once they reach 12 points their licence will be revoked however the points will be revoked two years after the date of the original conviction.

Announcing the decision this morning, Premier Ewart Brown, who is also the Minister of Transport, said: “You will recall that the Road Safety Council had proposed a legislative change aimed at encouraging the public to become more responsible for their actions when driving on our roads. Such an initiative has come to be known as the Demerit Point System.

“I am pleased to announce today that the planning stage is complete and the Demerit Point System will take effect November 1.

“The purpose of the system is two-fold. First, it monitors the development of poor driving records in newly licensed drivers and takes steps to improve their driving habits. Second, it protects the public from habitual offenders by disqualifying or revoking the licenses of unsafe drivers.”

* See tomorrow's Royal Gazette for the full story.