Drivers beware

New points system to be launched in CR.  It’s about time in my opinion, having experienced the astonishingly appalling driving in the Czech Republic.  They are horrendously unsafe, impatient, drivers and are considered possibly the worst in Europe, with accident figures to support the claim.  The new points system will bring the Republic in line with other countries such as Germany, France, Italy, Britain, Austria, Hungary and Poland.  As in the UK if a driver can be penalised for an offence and receive a number of points which may vary according to the seriousness of the offence, once a driver has racked up 12 points they will lose their licence for 1 year and then have to retake a driving test before getting the licence back.  The points system will not replace the current fines system, this will remain.  Other important changes include a law that will allow police officers to confiscate a drivers licence on the spot, thus, in theory enabling them to take the most dangerous drivers out of circulation immediately.  This should be reserved for only the most serious offences where an accident has resulted in someone being killed or drink driving.

If you bear in mind that the Czech people and the police are well known for high levels of corruption, I have to say, won’t this just increase this.  A driver will be so intent on changing the officers mind so as not to receive a penalty points notice I’m sure they will ask the officer to “look in the glove box, there may be a ‘gift’ for you”?  Perhaps I am wrong, there is corruption in the current system, but I don’t believe any one can hold a ‘system’ to blame, it’s usually human nature that creates the deception.  If we think we can get away with it, then we’ll have a go.  As with the introduction of any new policy or procedure, teething problems will become evident and no doubt adjustments will be made!  So, beware, as of the 1st July 2006 the law will come into practice.