Phnom Penh: The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has announced that it will start training traffic police and other officials next month on its new points demerit system for traffic offences. The system is expected to come into force next year. The Ministry is preparing to test drive it in September.

They’ll be no escape for bad drivers when the new system comes into effect. Minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr. Sun Chanthol, says speed cameras have already been installed in some parts of the capital, and there’ll be more popping up across the country over the next few weeks. The cameras will help traffic police with the points system.

It’s understood drivers will be issued with 12-points, with points being deducted for each traffic violation. Once a driver loses all their points, their licence will be taken away and they will then have to re-take their driving test within a six-month period. Minister of Interior, Mr. Sar Kheng, believes the new points system, together with tougher penalties, will help reduce traffic accidents that are costing lives and money. Cambodia loses an estimated $350-million a year on accidents caused by bad driving.