Penalty Points: Jayen Chellum vs Ben Buntipilly

11 years, 9 months ago - 28 February 2013, The Défi Media Group
Penalty Points: Jayen Chellum vs Ben Buntipilly
The Common Front formed around the Consumers' Association of Mauritius (ACIM) is challenging certain provisions around the entry into force of penalty points. He believes that the implementation of this project must be fair and equitable.

For example, it would be an exaggeration to hold a driver responsible for an accident caused by the poor condition of the road. Is that these claims are justified? The guests of "Duel" Tuesday morning on Radio Plus were: Jayen Chellum general secretary of ACIM and Ben Buntipilly, special adviser to Prime Minister's Office in road safety.

What are the fears experienced by associations grouped PMAC? 
Jayen Chellum: The government has made a propaganda to believe that only drivers who are wrong in accidents.We wish to emphasize that the state has a great responsibility whatsoever in certain accidents as well as the signs are not clear. A study conducted in the United States shows that 33% of problems are caused by accidents distrust that exist on the roads. 

In Mauritius, it is very visible. Some places, including the road to Grand Bay, where there should be a roundabout, there is not many people have died and at the crossroads of Vale is much later that there was a roundabout. Some roundabouts on the northern motorway to the airport are not according to the standards. On the highways, there are some places where the asphalt has been changed. Which is not stable for motorists. Speed ??limits are not according to the standards too. 

What do you expect from the authorities? 
Jayen Chellum: When you set up a system imported from other countries, an infrastructure system that is not good, you can not keep. This is totally unacceptable. We asked the government to talk to us. We will not accept this license points as it is. 

There are some concerns about the license points. Do you agree? 
Ben Buntipilly: The license points does not apply only in case of accident. It is a deterrent to behave on the roads. It is not only if you know how to drive and how you drive, but how you act on the road to not offend. When it is said that our infrastructure is not adequate, we answer in the negative. Moreover, roads are being built according to international standards. Where the signs are not very visible and where road markings should be ... this is why I say that we are not ready now, but we will be the deadline is April 1. The relevant authorities are doing their best to put everything in order to avoid confusion. 

Do you believe that there has been adequate consultation around the entry into force of penalty points? 
Ben Buntipilly: The Commissioner of Police has asked the Divisional Commanders to make a statement in their divisions, existing gaps, either on the markings, signs, or other to remedy. When the system comes into effect, we will be ready in terms of infrastructure and others. At the international level, we know that the penalty points is different. 

The Common Front alleges a local consultation, but regrets the lack of dialogue. Is that introducing penalty points on 1 April, some drivers have more than 15 points? 
Ben Buntipilly: We must understand what we call the livelihood and professional drivers are more exposed. This is the opposite road safety tells you that the longer you're on the road, you must be more careful, this is to be a professional driver. 

Common front against the allowed points - Threat of hunger strike 
Under a blazing sun they surged Tuesday in the streets of Port-Louis. Some 800 professional drivers showed that changes be made to the system of penalty points. It is 10 h 30 they met at the Tomb Malartic, the Champ-de-Mars.Several speakers talked about the importance of their gathering. Organizations were present taxi drivers, bus, school van, and even individuals. The Common Front announced a hunger strike if their proposals are not accepted. 

"If the authorities continue to play conspicuously absent, we will go through," launched Jayen Chellum, general secretary of the Consumers' Association of Mauritius (Acim) and spokesman of the Common Front . He was speaking at the Garden of the Company, after submitting a letter to the Prime Minister's office. 

The Common Front said he was not against the system of penalty points, but opposes certain criteria relating thereto. They ask that the three-year period for the validity of points is reduced to two years for professional drivers. 
"We agree with the penalty points in cases of negligence, drunk driving, speeding or reckless driving. But not for a defective bulb or not wearing seat belts, "argued Raffick Bahadoor, Taxi Proprietors of the Union. 

The Common Front also criticized authorities the pitiful state of some streets. "We do not want bridges billion rupees. We need a floor suitable for rolling. Drivers can not take the risk of taking points, if the infrastructure is poor, "was outraged Georges Ah Yan. 

Visa - The High Commission of India in the digital age 
Now, for visa applications for the Great Peninsula, interested persons should apply online. Indeed, the High Commission of India has risen to a system of online application. Thus, people who want a visa to visit India must go to the website http://indian visaonline.gov.in. You must choose Mauritius / Port Louis, for the field "Mission." Then you must complete all mandatory elements, marked by a red star. At the end of this year, applicants must print a copy. Thereafter, they must report to the office of the High Commission, provided that a copy of their passport, two photos (passport size), and other necessary documents.