Speedsters, beware

Philip Hamilton, Sunday Gleaner Writer

The traffic police have served notice of their intention to further clampdown on minibus and taxi drivers caught speeding.

Head of the Police Traffic Department, Superintendent Radcliffe Lewis, told Automotives, drivers of public passenger vehicles can expect "absolutely no leniency" when caught driving in a manner likely to result in injury or death to passengers, as well as other road users.

"Once you're caught in that fashion, we're not only stopping and arresting you for dangerous driving, but also test to find out if you're driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs," Lewis said.

Lewis said offenders will be taken to the police forensic lab to be tested, and acknowledging that the measures are presently being enforced in keeping with the department's zero-tolerance policy adopted earlier this year.

Although the policy has been in place since the last six months, Lewis advised the police have stepped up their drive to deal with this particular group of motorists.

"One driver who was tested after he'd been discovered drinking beer from a bottle on the side of his door was prosecuted and his licence suspended for two years," said Lewis.

Traffic-band teams

The traffic chief said a number of taxi and special traffic-band teams had arrested minibus drivers for night-time speeding on Hope Road and the Norman Manly Boulevard.

"One man was arrested and charged for speeding and dangerous driving after a Breathalyser test indicated he was over the legal limit. In addition, he was caught doing over 161 kilometres per hour between Andrews Memorial Hospital and King's House, " Lewis said.

The number of fatal accidents between January 1 and October 14 this year stands at 227, compared to 263 for the same period last year.