SA:Disqualified SA drivers stay on the road

AAP General News (Australia)
08-05-2011
SA:Disqualified SA drivers stay on the road

ADELAIDE, Aug 5 AAP - A computer glitch has allowed more than 4000 South Australian
motorists to keep driving after being disqualified.

The glitch, in the Courts Administration Authority's computer system, meant official
disqualification notices were not sent out.

Road Safety Minister Tom Kenyon said the error affected motorists who had applied between
July 2009 and June 2010 to have more time to pay fines for driving offences.

He said a similar pattern was expected with disqualifications over the past year, meaning
another 4000 drivers might be affected.

The glitch also meant more than 10,000 drivers had not been sent notices warning them
they had few demerit points left.

Mr Kenyon said the full extent of the computer error only became known this week following
a detailed audit and investigation.

He said letters would be sent to the drivers involved and they would still be required
to serve their disqualification period.

"There's clearly a significant backlog due to the computer error and notifications
are being processed as quickly as possible," the minister said on Friday.

"But it will take some days to clear."

Mr Kenyon said transport officials were working with the Courts Administration Authority
to fix the computer malfunction and ensure it did not happen again.

He said a permanent working group would be established within the transport department
to review any issues detected in the future.

AAP tjd/jnb

KEYWORD: DRIVERS

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