Scheme lets drivers reduce their black points

Abu Dhabi // Police unveiled a scheme yesterday that will allow some drivers to stay on the road despite having more than 24 black points on their licence.

Motorists who have exceeded the black point limit are normally penalised with a three-month ban, but under the new programme motorists will have the chance to reduce their tally by eight by signing up for a course of driving lessons, road tests and theory examinations.

Until January, motorists with between 24 and 31 points can sign up through the Emirates Driving Company in Musaffah for the traffic point qualifier scheme, the state news agency WAM reported.

Participants will attend a series of lectures on traffic safety, common driving mistakes, and common accidents but not all drivers will qualify. Motorists will be evaluated by a social worker from the community service centre to check any link between behaviour and violations. Age and education will also be taken into account.

osalem@thenational.ae