JCF’S Capability to Mitigate Road Accidents and Fatalities Significantly Boosted

The addition of 3,000 electronic ticketing (e-ticketing) handsets and printers to Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) resources is expected to significantly boost the members’ efforts to mitigate accidents on the nation’s roads.

The presentation of the devices in December follows the procurement of 750 handsets and accompanying printers, which were handed over in January 2023.

The e-ticketing system enables the police to issue a printed ticket on the spot to any motorist deemed to have committed a traffic offence, outlining the nature of the infraction, the fine and court date, among other details.

National Road Safety Council (NRSC) Programme Coordinator, Victor Anderson, told JIS News that the frequency of accidents on the roadways is a concern for the entity.

“There is work going on. The police [have received] 3,000 additional devices for use in traffic ticketing. Previously, they only had something like about 800 devices which were being used.

“The Police, however, are expecting to be able to deploy these devices throughout the Force so that any officer who is suitably equipped will be able to issue traffic tickets. [This has significantly improved] the road-safety apparatus of the Police,” he informed.

Mr. Anderson noted that the timely issuing of tickets is intended to discourage speeding on the roads.

“More officers will be equipped with electronic devices, which are much easier [and] much quicker to issue a ticket [which] can be done in a matter of a few seconds. Once the Police have finished issuing the ticket, you could almost guarantee it immediately. I know that they are also placing a greater emphasis on speeding on the highways,” he said.

Road fatalities decreased by 20 per cent as at March 4, compared to the corresponding period last year, representing a difference of 17.

A total of 69 lives have been lost on the roads as at March 4, resulting from 61 fatal collisions.