A set of measures to significantly improve the efficiency of procedures related to road traffic penalties has been introduced by the National Authority for Road Safety (ANSR) this year.
The traffic ticket process will be fully dematerialised, meaning that every document pertaining to road traffic offences or infractions will be converted to digital format upon reaching the ASNR.
This will allow for a faster and simpler circulation, management and control of any infraction. It is anticipated that this measure will drastically reduce the time period between the infraction and the resultant sanction taking effect, reinforcing the disciplinary purpose of fines.
The PSP and GNR will also have automatic access to the driver’s record online, thus allowing the police authorities to obtain real-time information, such as previous infractions committed by the driver.
The use of this system was approved by the ANSR President, Paulo Marques Augusto, and made official in Order nº 14774/2012, published in the Diário da República (Official Gazette) last November.
The law defines how the PSP and GNR will access the driving record of citizens in a database called Sistema de Registo de Infrações do Condutor (SRIC), or traffic violations record system.
Access to the SRIC will be made through a URL link, exclusive to the PSP and GNR officers, and has two main purposes: precautionary traffic control procedures (roadblocks) or for the use of legal inquiries, detention or other legal proceedings (fining).
Another improvement is that all fines identified in the ANSR system can now be integrated into the State Collection Network and gathered on a single collection document (or documento único de cobrança – DUC), making it simpler for the transgressor to pay the fine, whether for a single infraction of the law or for multiple fines.
There are also two further measures specifically designed to better serve the citizen and allow for better communication between the driver and the ANSR.
A new service will be created to simplify the written word used on administrative decisions and official documents, so it can be better understood by citizens. Furthermore, every administrative document will be accompanied by a brief outline re-written in simple Portuguese, summing up the decision and highlighting the most relevant information, to make it easier for drivers to understand the sanctions being applied.
Last but not least, a new web portal will be launched to promote interaction between drivers and the ANSR, making the services available remotely.
The web portal will allow drivers to check the status of their infraction proceedings online, post requests to the ANSR services and obtain bank references for payment of fines or requested services.
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