New Road Traffic Act needed to address indiscipline – Johnson Smith

With senators scheduled to continue debate on the Road Traffic Bill on Friday, Leader of Government Business in the Senate Kamina Johnson Smith says the levels of indiscipline and unsafe practices on Jamaica’s roads are unacceptable and stricter penalties under the legislation will be enforced to protect Jamaicans. 

According to Johnson Smith, the proposed legislation will protect lives by compelling motorists to be more cautious on the roads.

She noted that, under the new law, motorists will be prevented from renewing their driver's license or certificates of fitness if outstanding traffic tickets are unpaid.

“Gone are the days when people can lose tickets or simply ignore tickets in order to avoid the consequences of their breaches of the law,” said Johnson Smith.

She further noted that license plates will be assigned to a specific vehicle and will be readily traced back to the owner.

“This move is significant under the bill because it places greater responsibility on the owner of the vehicle for how his or her vehicle is used”.

Also, owners will be mandated to keep a record of every person authorised to drive or operate the vehicle and to give information on the identity of the person who commits an offence.

“We all experience the indiscipline on our roads. This must change. We have to do better. As road users, we need to take responsibility for our safety and the safety of others. As members of the Senate, we need to play our part by bringing into force a new regime that not only promotes safer use of the roads, but provides better enforcement mechanisms,” added Johnson Smith.

She expressed concern about road fatality figures since the start of the year and noted that excessive speeding, disobeying traffic lights, swerving and tailgating were the leading cause of injuries and fatalities in Jamaica.

Jamaica has recorded 111 road fatalities since January.

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