Transport on the move

I take the opportunity to respond to C Peters’ concerns and explain how the ministry is working to provide the most suitable transport services, infrastructure, policies and legislation to meet the evolving transport needs of the nation.

In the first instance, Peters writes, “Ten million dollars to walk up a plank on one side of a highway, cross the highway and then walk down the other side? This does seem a bit extravagant.” Please allow me to explain that there are two types of walkovers that are used in TT , those with centre spots that tend to be cheaper and those without. In meeting the unique needs of this project for Sea Lots, a pedestrian walkover with a clear span was deemed more appropriate over the use of the centre spot structure.

One significant reason for this decision is that a centre spot walkover would have required the relocation of the entire utility infrastructure from TSTT , T&TEC, NGC and WASA within the median. Along with the reality of that inconvenience, there would have also been severe traffic disruptions during construction.

A centre spot walkover would have also required the placement of temporary obstructions in the road which would have increased the risk of vehicular accidents.

Another important reason for such an elaborate measure to solve the problem of safe pedestrian travel in the area was our decision to use ramps over stairs.

This choice accommodates the travel of differently abled people.

And while this feature represents 45 percent of the overall project cost, the ministry is pleased to grant this greater level of accessibility to citizens who require such facility as we subscribe to the mantra of good governance for all.

Peters also expressed concern over the ministry’s novel use of electronic technology to aid in enforcement efforts among delinquent motorists.

He referenced the implementation of red light cameras at traffic lights and a new number plate system with a chip imbedded in the plate, which will have all data on the owner of the vehicle.

Indeed, these new measures are now being presented as the ministry proposes amendments to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Bill, 2017 in order to make way for the proposed establishment of the Motor Vehicle Authority. This new entity will guide the administration of driver’s permit issuance, vehicle registration and certification. It will also strengthen the administrative, institutional and legal arrangements through which motor vehicle and driver’s permits will be managed in TT .

At the same time this new entity will also ensure that the best practices of public accountability are kept when collecting revenue and enforcing all applicable laws. The Motor Vehicle Authority will ensure that modern administrative systems are in place to better guide quality service to drivers and the maintenance of an accurate and reliable motor vehicles registry in TT .

In addition to this evolving framework, the ministry is also in consultation with all the relevant agencies that we require seated at the table in order to make our efforts a success.

The Police Service, the Licensing Division, the Judiciary, even TT Post which Peters specifically mentions and others are all presently engaged with us to ensure that the required government services can work together efficiently to bring a truly improved system.

But while this proposed structure is not yet ready for full implementation, I am pleased to remind the public that in January, the new driver’s permit was in fact launched, while Peters claims that “this is still to happen.” A significant plus is that the new cards are embedded with bar code technology that now greatly reduces the risk of duplication for nefarious, fraudulent purposes.

Furthermore, with their ability to store pertinent information, the new permits will play an important part within the new and modern system I mention above.

While all drivers are not required to obtain the new card at this time, anyone who requires a new driver’s permit will receive this new card when they apply.

As Minister of Works and Transport, I am always willing to share accurate information on the ministry’s latest plans. I believe it is important for the citizenry to properly understand how the various changes Government implements are strategically planned measures that work synergistically to create the improvement that society so desperately requires. I hope I have shed sufficient light on Peters’ misinformation.

ROHAN SINANAN Minister of Works and Transport