THE Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) is revamping its approach to driver licensing and enforcement in a bid to improve road safety in Zambia.
RTSA chief executive officer, Amon Mweemba, announced a stricter evaluation process for issuing driver’s licenses.
“The quality of drivers we release on the road is not good enough,” he stated during a Diamond TV programme appearance last night.
The new Act No. 8 of 2022 will be implemented early next year.
This act mandates a two-year probationary period for new drivers before they can obtain a permanent license.
The RTSA will closely monitor driving behavior during this probation period.
“We can revoke a provisional license or extend the probation if a driver demonstrates irresponsible behavior,” explained Mweemba. “This system ensures only responsible drivers receive full licenses.”
A 12-point demerit system will also be introduced in 2025.
Drivers will start with 12 points, and points will be deducted based on traffic violations.
The severity of the offense will determine the number of points deducted, ranging from one to four.
“Drivers who lose all their points within a year will have their licenses revoked,” said Mweemba.
The RTSA is also developing a system that integrates insurance, road tax, and vehicle fitness information into a single disk using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.
RFID technology is a type of wireless communication used for identifying and tracking objects, animals, or people using radio waves.
This system, expected by year-end, will require only one sticker on a vehicle’s windshield, allowing for quick access to all necessary details through a scan.
These comprehensive measures by the RTSA signal a renewed focus on promoting responsible driving habits and creating a safer transportation environment in Zambia.
By Elesani Phiri
Kalemba May 24, 2024
