Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh says 37 drivers have had their licences suspended or revoked so far for 2026, with technology helping traffic authorities identify and act against motorists involved in dangerous driving and speeding.
Speaking during an appearance on the Starting Point podcast on Sunday, Singh said the use of technology has significantly assisted the Traffic Department in dealing with serious traffic offences.
“For this year, 37,” Singh said, referring to the number of drivers whose licences had been suspended or revoked.
He explained that some of the drivers would previously have faced periods of suspension through the courts, ranging from 6 months to 12 months, for offences including speeding and dangerous driving.
Singh said the demerit point system is an important part of determining when a driver should face suspension.
Under the system, he explained, three speeding offences could result in a driver accumulating 12 points. He said drivers accumulating between 10 and 12 points could face a six-month suspension, while higher point accumulation could result in a longer period of disqualification.
He added that, based on his knowledge, driver disqualifications in the past have extended to as much as three years, with two and three year disqualifications having previously been imposed.
The comments come as the Traffic Department continues to monitor road safety amid a high number of fatal crashes.
So far in 2026, there have been 83 fatal accidents resulting in 89 deaths, including two children, according to the Traffic Chief.
While the number of fatal accidents has declined only slightly, Singh said there had been reductions in the number of deaths and children killed in road crashes.
Across all categories of accidents, he reported a 19 per cent decrease this year.
Singh identified speeding, pedestrians crossing the path of moving vehicles and driver inattentiveness as the major causes of fatal accidents.
He also provided an update on traffic-law enforcement, saying approximately 72,000 cases had been filed across the country. The conviction rate for those cases stands at about 51 per cent.
The remaining cases, he said, are still before the courts, while some have been dismissed because of issues including insufficient evidence or procedural shortcomings.
Source: NEW ROOMS SITE
