Minister of National Security, Colonel Trevor MacMillan, yesterday outlined three amendments being proposed to the Road Traffic Act at the launch of the National Road Safety Council's 'Save 300 Lives' campaign, held at Jamaica House, St Andrew.

According to MacMillan, road users must undergo a more rigorous process in order to acquire a driver's licence.

Some of the recommendations announced by MacMillan include: passing a written test before acquiring a learner's licence, completing a minimum number of practice sessions with a certified instructor and driving for one year incident-free, on a provisional licence, before being considered for a permanent one.

Ticketing system

The minister also informed the audience that the new traffic-ticketing system should be ready for phased implementation by July next year.

MacMillan suggested that one of the major causes of road fatalities is corruption.

"A huge chunk of the blame for road fatalities can be traced to corrupt drivers in possession of fake documents - driver's licences, fitness certificates and insurance," he said.

In addition, a new electronic surveillance system is to be implemented soon at strategic locations, which the minister said was "expected to bring about a significant reduction in the incidence of speeding and the running of red lights".