Parliament to be advised on implementation of new traffic regime 

Transport and Mining Minister Audley Shaw is to make a statement to Parliament this afternoon (February 7) regarding growing concerns around the implementation of the New Road Traffic Act and its accompanying regulations.

Since the February 1 implementation of the new traffic regime, in which penalties have been increased and new offences enacted, there has been widespread confusion and opposition to some of the new laws and regulations.

In particular, taxi operators have been livid about the requirement of the provision of a car seat when transporting children under the age of 12.

Their cries have been getting support from the general public and some sections of the society, including the Opposition People’s National Party, which described the imposition of the car seat requirement for taxi operators as ludicrous.

In response the Government has indicated that it would be amending the regulations related to the car seat requirement and the Jamaica Constabulary Force said it would be using its discretion in its handling of such cases.

SHAW TO PROVIDE UPDATE ON AREAS TO BE REVIEWED

Shaw will also speak about the recent strike by some taxi operators who are demanding a payment schedule for liquidating outstanding traffic fines.

He will advise the House of Representatives about some of the transition matters for the new regime, such as the mapping of existing driver’s licences to the new classes. He is slated to speak on the national vehicle register, which is to be developed and will include all vehicles, whether operated on public roads or not.

The transport minister will also update the House on those areas of the regime that will be review by the National Road Safety Council at its meeting this week.