Phnom Penh: Traffic officials are developing a new demerit system, to improve the standard of driving on Cambodia’s roads. Recent discussions have been chaired by the Minister of Public Works, Mr. Sun Chanthol, who is also the Permanent Vice Chairman of the National Road Safety Committee. According to reports, a technical working group is now on developing the app.

Once completed, the system will enable traffic police to automatically deduct points for driving offences, with the information sent instantly to licence issuing centres and licence holders. Drivers will be issued with an initial 12 points, with driving offences leading to points being deducted. If a driver runs out of points, their licence will expire and they’ll need to re-sit their driving exam within six months, before they are issued with a new licence and another 12 points.

This kind of demerit system is in place in a number of countries around the world. Small offences, such as speeding or parking violations, might mean one point is lost, while more serious offences, such as drunk driving or causing an accident, might mean several points are deducted. The finer details of Cambodia’s demerit system and how many points will be deducted for each type of offence have yet to be announced.