A consensus has been reached between public transport stakeholders, the Transport Authority and its parent ministry following Tuesday’s (June 11) meeting to address concerns raised by public transport regarding the suspension of drivers’ licenses due to the accumulation of demerit points.

This is according to the Transport Authority, the agency charged with the responsibility for the licensing of all public and commercial vehicles and the regulation and monitoring of public transportation in Jamaica.

Representatives from the Jamaica Association of Transport Owners and Operators (JATOO), National Council of Taxi Association (NCOTA), National Council of Taxi Association (NCOTA), All Voice, the National Transport Alliance Group (NTAG), the Spanish Town Taxi Association, the Jamaica Association of Hackney Contract Carriage, and other sectors were present at the meeting.

The authority, in a statement following the meeting, said the issue of suspension of drivers’ licences on account of accumulated demerit points was discussed, and a decision was taken to further discuss the matter at another meeting next week.

It said recommendations will be made to Transport Minister Daryl Vaz for his consideration following next week’s meeting.

“One outstanding issue remains and will be dealt with at another meeting to be convened at another date. Of particular interest is how to address the issue of persons who have already reached the threshold of demerit points for suspension of licences, up to the point of the review. This matter will be referred to the Minister for a decision to be taken at another level,” the authority said.

Concerns regarding how to resolve the issue of motorists who are issued tickets for infractions and thereafter discover that the information pertaining to the driver or motor vehicle was also addressed.

Transport operators have called for amendments to the demerit points system, particularly for offences such as failure to wear seat belts and illegal parking. Other concerns, such as the affordability of fines for mobile phone use, have also been raised.

The Transport Authority says the steering committee will work to complete the review process and present the final recommendations to the ministry by the end of June.