Positive Outcome Expected from New Use of Percentage of Traffic Fines
By: , March 14, 2025
Photo: Mark Bell
Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz (second left), in conversation with (from left) Managing Director of the Transport Authority (TA), Ralston Smith; Acting Managing Director of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC), Owen Ellington; and Director General of Road Traffic, Island Traffic Authority (ITA), Col. Daniel Pryce. The event was the Ministry’s recent press conference, held at the Half-Way Tree Transport Centre in Kingston.The Full Story
It is anticipated that the allocation of five per cent of road traffic fines to the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport for a sustained road safety public education campaign will go a far way to reduce the number of road fatalities.
The announcement of the measure was made by Portfolio Minister, Hon. Daryl Vaz, at the Ministry’s recent press conference at the Half-Way Tree Transport Centre in Kingston.
In 2024, more than 585,000 traffic tickets were issued, 52 per cent of which was paid at the tax office amounting to $1.5 billion.
There was a 14 per cent reduction in fatal accidents in 2024, compared to 2023, the Minister noted.
“Though too many, it is a 14 per cent reduction when compared to 2023. While statistics show that we are trending down, so far, for 2025, let us endeavour to do our part to ensure we realise a further reduction this year. Let us practise responsible road use,” he urged.
Mr. Vaz noted that in 2024, 365 lives were lost to road crashes.
He pointed out that the Island Traffic Authority (ITA) has been actively engaged in road safety public education and awareness.
During the current fiscal year, the ITA has conducted more than 200 public education sessions in educational institutions, public and private-sector companies, communities, and with civil society groups across the island.