Newly licensed drivers to be put on probation

Licensed drivers could soon be put on a 12-month probation period under proposed reforms aimed at improving safety on Namibia’s roads.

The proposal was presented by deputy commissioner and head of operations Rozario Coetzee during the parliamentary standing committee on transport, infrastructure and housing’s public hearings on the motion in Windhoek yesterday.

The probation period forms part of a broader package of licensing reforms that also proposes the accreditation of driving schools and compulsory defensive driving training for professional drivers.

“We want to propose that new driving licences will be revoked if they commit offences like drinking and driving and many other offences,” Coetzee said.

He further proposed a progressive driver licensing system, under which motorists would first be required to demonstrate competency in driving light vehicles before progressing to commercial heavy vehicles through additional vehicle-specific training and assessments.

The proposal seeks to align driver training with the type of vehicles applicants are most likely to operate.

“Reckless driving, impatience, disregard for traffic rules and driving under the influence of alcohol are among the key behavioural factors contributing to road crashes,” he said.

Coetzee noted concerns about the availability of alcohol at filling stations.

The police yesterday said the reforms should be accompanied by amendments to the Road Traffic and Transport Act to introduce a demerit points system, recognise e-hailing services, and provide a legal basis for technologies such as mandatory dashcams, e-ticketing, drones, live-streaming evidence and electronic speed limiters for public transport vehicles.

Other proposals include the use of artificial intelligence-assisted cameras to detect speeding and illegal overtaking in real time, linking enforcement databases to the National Traffic Information System through e-ticketing, intelligence-led policing, and the establishment of a toll-free number for reporting traffic incidents.

The presentation also highlighted shortcomings in the current road safety system, including outdated legislation, corruption, paper-based licence and ticket management systems, staff shortages, ageing traffic vehicles, limited specialised equipment and the absence of an integrated traffic contravention management system.

The police said road safety is a shared responsibility requiring the commitment of the government, law enforcement agencies, motorists, passengers, educators, civil society, the private sector and the public to reduce road deaths and injuries.

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