Phillips questions absence of promised road traffic bill consultations

Opposition Spokesperson on Transport Mikael Phillips is calling for the government to urgently begin the promised consultations and public education programme on the provisions of the new Road Traffic Act.

In a statement, Phillips said the Senate’s consideration and approval of the Bill was delayed last Friday on the grounds that the government would be consulting with sector groups and launch a public education programme.

However, he said since the announcement nothing has been said of these plans from the administration, even though the matter is regarded as urgent.

“My expectation was that the programme would be rolled out immediately,” he said.

The opposition spokesperson said there was a lot of confusion in the public regarding the applicability of the new section of the Act on owners’ liability for electronic tickets.

According to him, many believed it related only to the taxi sector and not to other interests such as the car rental industry, food distribution, automotive repair, public utilities and other commercial and industrial enterprises which employ drivers.

Phillips said that for this reason, it is urgent that the public education programme begins for everyone to know and understand their obligation under the new rules.

He said the Opposition would also continue its own consultations with other sector groups, including public transport owners and operators.

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