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 suspended, however all points will expire two years after the date of the original conviction.

If a driver exceeds twelve points in a two-year period their licence for all vehicles will be revoked,

Premier Ewart Brown, who is also the Minister of Transport, announced the decision yesterday saying: "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."

He said the purpose of the system was 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 licences of unsafe drivers."

Under the new system people who fail to stop at a stop sign will run the risk of getting two to four points while people speeding could get as many as seven points for one offence.

Meanwhile towing someone on roller skates and "unlawful sounding of warning device" could get you two to four points. The legislation was passed in 2005.

Dr. Brown said motorists will be fully aware of points accumulated: "As they are approaching 12 points they will be forced to modify their unsafe driving behaviours or risk mandatory disqualification.

"No longer will a habitually unsafe driver be able to pay a hefty fine and immediately get back on the road to endanger others. A suspension will be automatic once a driver reaches 12 Demerit Points in a two-year period."

The announcement comes after Police released figures showing the number of collisions on the Island's roads were increasing.

In September last year, Police recorded 224 collisions, compared to 251 last month. The biggest cause of the accidents was inattention.

Road Safety Council Officer Roxanne Christopher said she was pleased Bermuda had adopted a system which has worked elsewhere.

"This is great news. The Road Safety Council recommended a point system after seeing that other jurisdictions have seen a reduction in habitual offenders since introducing it.

"We hope it will deter people from breaking the law and encourage them to slow down."

She added that there were still steps to be taken to make Bermuda's roads safer: "One of our biggest problems is people with their cellphone in their helmet who talk to their friends while they are driving or people texting while behind the wheel.

"This inattention to the road is serious and we have seen an increase in collisions. In the US texting while driving is causing more deaths than drinking and driving.

"This is going to be the next area we focus on. We are preparing a big media campaign. It may come down to requiring legislation to stop people using their phones while on the roads, but we hope we won't have to do that. "