Energy Minister Daryl Vaz has advised, that the country’s Electric Mobility Policy will come into effect by the end of June paving the way for persons to import vehicles into the island.

According to Vaz the requisite infrastructure to accommodate the vehicles is in place, as the private sector has established charging stations in several sections of the island.

Noting that Cabinet had recently signed off on the policy, the minister informed: “what was important, was to give incentives for persons to purchase electric vehicles, which are much more expensive than regular vehicles, and we will have a concession rate of 10 per cent.”

He stated that vehicles no older than three years old would be allowed into the island, to prevent Jamaica from becoming a dumping ground for older vehicles.

Vaz made the disclosure while delivering the keynote address at the launch of Road Safety Month held at the Future Energy Source Company (FESCO) Service Station on Beechwood Avenue in St. Andrew, on Wednesday (June 8).

The event was organised by the Jamaica Gasolene Retailers Association (JGRA) under the theme ‘Safe Roads Together with Safe Vehicles Help to Keep Our Children Safe’.

Making his address, the energy minister said that indiscipline on the roads must be treated as a national emergency, noting that “no society can prosper” with drivers operating without due regard for the traffic rules and the lives of others.

“The Government is doing what it can, legislatively, to facilitate safer use of our roads,” stated Vaz, adding that the necessary equipment and technologies will be procured to address the problem.