Delays On New Road Traffic Act Putting Motorist At Risk

In light of the number of road fatalities for the past year, concerns are being raised by the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) as it relates to the delay of the transport authority act.

According to the council, the incomplete act is obstructing the enforcement of the new Road Traffic Act.

2019 saw 435 road fatalities in 395 crashes, the second-highest fatality rate in 26 years.

Vice-Chairman of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) Dr. Lucien Jones, says this is a national disaster and should be treated with the highest priority.

He adds that since 2012, the numbers have been going in the wrong direction.

Dr. Jones points out that the ticketing system is failing as motorists have no regards.

Dr. Jones explains that the transport authority act embodies the new road traffic act, as certain provisions can not be enforced unless the government passes the transport authority act. He says the old road traffic act, has to be repealed before the new one can be implemented.

In his new year address, Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the traffic ticketing system and the regulations for the new act should be completed.

Holness will host a meeting with the NRSC come Thursday, January 16, 2020.