Double penalties for new drivers

NEW drivers under 25-years-old would be getting double points for speeding according to a traffic bill currently under study.

Speaking before the House Communications Committee yesterday, Police Headquarters Traffic Director Ioannis Diaouris said the bills provided for either double penalty points to drivers with one or two years experience and under 25-years-old who get caught for speeding or would lose their license at eight points.

The new legislation would also provide a general increase of penalties and would also include provisions forcing violators to take traffic behaviour and safety lessons.

Diaouris did not rule out banning mobile phones altogether during driving while a basic knowledge of mechanics could become necessary during the driving test.

He added that all parameters would be studied in depth adding that police should be helped in its task through legislation.