Last Updated on September 28, 2022, 2:53 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs Garth Wilkin met with the Commissioner of Police, Hildroy Brandy and senior Police Officers within the Traffic Department of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) on September 26, 2022.
In this meeting, the attendees discussed several issues of national importance. These issues include the importance of road safety, the implementation of proper road signage, penalties for infringing traffic laws and a new home for the Traffic Department.
The minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, St Kitts and Nevis, along with the Senior Police Officers Traffic Department of the Royal St Christopher (Kitts) and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF), took the opportunity to discuss ways of increasing road safety. They agreed that, as a matter of urgency, that proper signage needs to be erected at roundabouts and traffic lights.
Further, All the road users (especially the thousands of tourists/visitors expected during our upcoming peak season) need to be explained the lawful way to utilize those traffic features to make road use safer.
Attorney General Garth Wilkin further recommended sleeping policemen (speed bumps) to deter speeding, which is a significant problem in our Federation, exacerbated by the increase in motor vehicles on the road and the lawlessness of some motorists,
The meeting attendees agreed that curbing societal criminality begins with preventing petty offences, like traffic infractions.
Thus, Attorney General Garth Wilkin added that the Chambers would draft a new traffic ticketing law that includes demerit points. Under this system, a person can lose their driver’s licence if they accumulate several demerit points. This system will deter reckless driving, especially by persons who make their living driving.
“The proposed law also seeks to streamline the traffic ticket payment system by making non-payment a restriction on future vehicle and driver’s licence. This step will reduce the current backlog of traffic cases within the Magistrate’s Court system.” The Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, Garth Wilkin, said.
“Lastly, we have agreed to advocate for the relocation of the Traffic Department to a more spacious and convenient home which can accommodate vehicle registration, licencing and insurance in one location, thereby eliminating the need for persons to travel to various offices throughout Basseterre to process vehicle sales and registration,” the Honourable Attorney General said.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
