Traffic enforcement relies heavily on the driver licensing and vehicle registration systems. Through these systems, governments are able to administer sanctions that discourage drivers from behaving in a dangerous manner on the road. In fact, virtually all measures used by governments to achieve order and safety on the road depend on these sanctions. Without them, we would have chaos and anarchy on our roads. It is therefore important that all drivers and vehicles on the road are included in these licensing and registration systems. Unfortunately, some motorists are choosing to opt out by driving without a valid driver’s licence, or by driving vehicles on the road that aren’t registered. These motorists include: drivers who have been disqualified from driving by the Courts because of repeat drink driving convictions; licensed drivers who drive vehicles that their licences don’t permit them to drive; and drivers in un-roadworthy vehicles with no registration or compulsory third party injury insurance cover. These motorists are a risk to themselves and other road users, and a financial burden to the whole community. This report makes recommendations to deal with these drivers to maintain the integrity of our traffic enforcement system. It discusses current statistics, research and countermeasures, and recommends further initiatives for the government to implement in the interests of road safety. (Author/publisher)
Abstract