Akash Sungker: "The Steps to Obtain a Driver's License Will Soon Be Reviewed"
Akash Sungker, the director of the Traffic Management and Road Safety Unit (TMRSU), outlines priority measures aimed at reducing accidents on the roads, including enhanced signage, adaptive traffic lights, and traffic modeling to improve road safety and fluidity.
He reflects on whether there is a clear link between the severity of penalties and sustainable changes in driving behavior. The introduction of the points-based license in 2012 led to a decrease in fatal road accidents, but this trend reversed when it was replaced by the Cumulative Road Traffic Offense system.
While he believes that the points-based system contributed to reducing fatal accidents, the TMRSU anticipates a decline in accidents with its reintroduction, which includes stricter penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
An explanatory campaign will be launched when the system is reinstated.
Soon, if a driver runs a red light, they will be photographed and sent a notice at home inviting them to pay a fine.
Sungker emphasizes the need for a structured educational campaign from primary school to driving schools to cultivate a generation of more disciplined drivers. The TMRSU has already commenced initiatives in primary schools with digital materials and is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to incorporate road safety into secondary education. They are preparing to recruit a consultant for this purpose, and while road safety is not an examinable subject, it will be included in the school curriculum.
They also hold discussions in various communities, including workplaces with heavy vehicle drivers, and run campaigns aimed at changing human behavior on the roads. The TMRSU plans to adopt a more public-facing approach, including distributing reflective vests to two-wheeled vehicle users who often neglect to wear them.
Sungker acknowledges the persistent issues of incivility and lack of discipline among road users and discusses efforts to enhance courtesy and mutual respect, particularly towards vulnerable users like pedestrians and motorcyclists. As the festive season approaches, there will be intensified efforts to educate the public about safe crossing practices and precautions.
For motorcyclists, the focus will be on nighttime visibility (with reflective vests) and helmet use. The Ministry is developing regulations to ensure helmets comply with United Nations standards. The laws will align with these recommendations, pending feedback from the Ministry of Commerce regarding imports.
The TMRSU will also address speeding and illegal rallies with the points-based system, and is considering establishing a closed circuit for speed enthusiasts in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The Ministry has noted that motorcyclists frequently run red lights, and in the near future, 'red light cameras' may be introduced, capturing images of offenders who will then receive notices to pay fines.
A driving simulator is planned as part of the ‘graduated driving licensing scheme’ (GDLS), along with a driving track at Forest-Side.
Sungker discusses how Safe City cameras can be better integrated into road safety management, with plans to use them for monitoring four main traffic violations: speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, not wearing a seatbelt, and disregarding lane markings.
The Ministry of Land Transport is set to install over sixty additional cameras to monitor speeding and other road users, alongside the reintroduction of the points-based system, which could result in drivers losing points for infractions.
Regarding drinking and driving, he suggests that the Road Traffic Act should be amended to establish a graduated penalty system based on blood alcohol content, as it is unreasonable for someone who has consumed a small amount to face the same fine as someone who is heavily intoxicated.
In terms of driver training, all steps for obtaining a driving license will soon be revised, introducing a GDLS that includes a probationary license with four stages leading to full licensure, during which new drivers will be monitored and required to display a red 'P' sticker on their vehicle.
The Minister is collaborating with the police, National Land Transport Authority, and the Mauritius Institute of Training and Development (MITD) to amend the Road Traffic Act for GDLS implementation. The MITD is also planning to set up a Driving Track at Forest-Side for learner drivers, as such facilities currently do not exist in Mauritius.
With the introduction of the Licensing System, instructors will also need to undergo new training sessions, along with police supervising the tests.
While there is currently no driving simulator, it is included in the GDLS plans. These facilities will be provided by the MITD, enabling learners to experience real driving conditions, including in the rain. The objective is to produce trained and responsible drivers capable of handling various road conditions, regardless of the weather.
The Ministry of Transport is preparing to launch a tender for a consultant to implement an 'arrested bed' at Sorèze, where many accidents related to braking issues have occurred. Awareness campaigns will explain the role and importance of these beds.
They will also focus on improving roundabout navigation, as many drivers struggle with it, particularly at the St-Jean roundabout and near Nexteracom in Ebène. New signage will be installed to indicate allowed and prohibited directions when entering a lane, reinforcing lane discipline.
A consultation is underway to introduce new adaptive traffic lights, as most current signals are not demand-driven. The Ministry aims to implement an 'Adaptive Traffic Control System' controlled by artificial intelligence to optimize green light durations on the busiest roads, enhancing traffic flow. They await a report from the consultant to establish an 'Intelligent Transport System' where IT plays a crucial role.
The Traffic Modelling Unit is working on various traffic scenarios to identify and implement the best solutions to alleviate congestion on major routes.