Penalty points systems : efficient technique of enforcement and prevention.

Systems of endorsement of licenses as a simple predecessor of a penalty points system were introduced already in the 1930s. This approach was after all developed in the current penalty points systems applied widely around globe, particularly in Europe. The systems currently employed in Europe varies considerably in selection of offences and their scoring, ways of points counting, thresholds for disqualification, duration of disqualification administration procedures etc.. There are different accompanying measures how to recoup the points either simply after certain time period (when driving properly) or by passing special courses, tests etc.. Penalty points system has a wide range of preventive consequences and can significantly influence driver's behavior. Two European countries have recently introduced (independently) the penalty point systems entering to the force by 1st July 2006: Spain and the Czech Republic. It took more than ten years to convince decision makers and public to accept this system in the Czech Republic. The system was introduced after half a year long large-scale awareness campaign aiming to explain its features and impacts. Once brought to the force by the modification of Road Traffic Act, impressive results in terms of road safety were reached. Particularly, the road fatalities dropped by more than 30 per cent in the following two months, but even in the month before entering this law in force, the 14 per cent reduction in terms of fatalities was registered. The lack of proper enforcement, minor mass media attention and controversial statements of politicians progressively decreased the effect of this measure with time. Nevertheless the penalty points system contributed to the yearly reduction of the total number fatalities by 17.3 per cent when comparing 2006 and 2005. This is one of the best results in Europe according the preliminary numbers for 2006. Spain achieved a 7.6 per cent reduction in the same period. Extended comparisons and evaluations including safety performance indicators are running in both countries now. Interesting lessons can be expected particularly in the role of politicians, mass media and other responsible bodies. (A). For the covering abstract of the conference see E216632.