OFFENDERS, BEWARE! New ticketing system tomorrow

Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer

A new ticketing system will be launched tomorrow by the Ministry of National Security. It is the latest attempt by Government to rein in motorists who break the Road Traffic Act.

Dr Lucien Jones of the National Road Saftey Council (NRSC) told Automotives last week that the new system will allow police to check records of motorists on scene, based on records from the courts, Island Traffic Authority and Inland Revenue Department.

The Island Traffic Authority has the power to take away a motorist's licence once it exceeds a certain number of points. Initially, the police are to issue paper tickets to offenders.

This will be replaced by a more sophisticated format, possibly in early 2011.

Office database

Three months ago, the NRSC's executive director, Paula Fletcher, said the absence of an office database made the previous ticketing system ineffective. She disclosed that one motorist had accumulated 1,500 tickets while there were three others with more than 1,000. Because many delinquent motorists failed to honour court dates, Transport and Works Minister Mike Henry said the State was unable to collect $800 million in fines.

The new ticketing system takes effect when road fatalities are on the decline, according to figures from the Road Safety Unit at the Ministry of Transport and Works. As of September 16, approximately 199 persons died in traffic accidents, 49 fewer than the same period in 2009.

"We've noticed a downward trend since the first quarter," said Jones. "I would credit a collaborative effort between the police, NRSC, the Island Traffic Authority and Transport Authority for this."

In the first quarter of the year (January-March), there were 81 deaths, down from 98 last year. The second quarter (March-June) had 67 fatalities compared to 91 in 2009, while the July-September 16 period saw 51 deaths, eight fewer than last year.

Lone bump

The month of August has been the lone bump in the road this year. The Road Safety Unit tallied 27 deaths last month, seven more than 2009.

While the figures are encouraging, Jones said fatalities are still projected to pass the 300 mark. It is a figure road safety officials have feverishly tried to lower.

That has not been realised since 1999 when 295 road deaths were recorded.

Last year, there were 347 deaths, four more than in 2008.

The NRSC has launched several initiatives, such as the 'Below 300' campaign, which enlisted well-known figures such as Olympic and World Championships sprint champion Usain Bolt.