Changes Coming for Road Traffic Act

The Government is seeking to make the roadways safer for the traveling public, through changes to the Road Traffic Act, which will establish a number of new penalties and rules, aimed at reducing road crashes and fatalities.

Making his contribution to the 2014/15 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on June 4, following the tabling of the Bill, Minister with responsibility for Housing, Hon. Dr. Morais Guy, noted that “Several initiatives have been implemented with regard to treating with the number of road fatalities and crashes over the years”.

He pointed out however that the legislation must be brought in line with the realities of 2014 and beyond.

Among the proposed changes are: Increased traffic penalties for breaches of the road code; mandatory training and certification of motor vehicle driving instructors; a longer period for holding a learner’s permit with new conditions attached; curtailing the use of electronic hand-held devices while driving; and increased powers for the Island Traffic Authority

Minister Guy told the House that the administration is working to put in place more measures to tackle the problem of crashes, injuries and deaths on the island’s roads, noting that the legislative reform had been stagnant for some 10 years.

The Minister spoke under the theme ‘Providing the solutions, preparing for the future’.