Legal Reform Consultant Engaged for Road Traffic Act Review

The Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport has engaged the services of a Legal Reform Consultant to assist with the review of the Road Traffic Act (RTA).

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Daryl Vaz, made the disclosure during his contribution to the 2024 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (June 4).

He informed that the examination and consultation with key stakeholders are to be completed by the end of June.

“It is important to point out that the rule of law on our roads must be adhered to, so there will be no watering down of the legislation. Every effort will be made to bring the remaining provisions of the Act into force,” Mr. Vaz said.

“Let me hasten to point out that, only yesterday (June 3), the Cabinet approved the revisions to the child restraint provisions and those will be coming to Parliament in short order,” he added.

Mr. Vaz noted that the Island Traffic Authority, like the police and the Transport Authority, is being equipped to effectively carry out its responsibilities under the Act.

He said the Ministry is aware of several concerns that have been raised as it relates to the anomalies, and these are a part of the reviews being carried out.

“We also invite any other interested parties with concerns to submit it to the Ministry immediately, as our review period ends at the end of June 2024,” Mr. Vaz said.

The Road Traffic Act was promulgated in 2018 and the Regulations in February 2023, bringing most of the provisions of the Act into force.