More speed guns coming

The minister made this clear during opening remarks at the fourth annual road safety awards ceremony at the Ministry’s Port of Spain office.

“I am pleased to announce that the tendering process for procurement of ten additional speed guns has been completed and we can expect to see the guns entering the fight very soon.” He added that in addition to speed guns, there are several other projects under way aimed at reducing accidents.

Sinanan said that reducing road fatalities is a task that requires the cooperation of all stakeholders and not just the police. “The Traffic Management Branch is actually engaged in numerous projects that will continue to help make road travel safer for everyone, especially pedestrians. We have a number of projects which include the increased presence of pedestrian crossings in urbanized areas and repainting of road markings which have faded.” Sinanan said officials within the Ministry have been working with the Office of the Attorney General in reviewing the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act to implement newer, more effective legislation which would allow for the introduction of a fixed penalty traffic ticketing system, a red light camera enforcement system and a Demerit Point System, whereby repeat offenders are ranked based on the seriousness and frequency of their offences and punished accordingly.

President of Arrive Alive Sharon Inglefield was optimistic that the proposed changes to legislation would yield long-lasting results and praised the Minister and awardees for their contribution to reducing the frequency of accidents.

“I wish to commend the Minister for having the courage to table the Demerit Point System in the Senate. Please do not let the mischievous motives of others dissuade you from pressing ahead with the introduction of this significant piece of legislation which will enhance existing traffic laws,” Inglefield said.

The ceremony celebrated over 130 officers of the Traffic and Highway Branch, members of the fire service, Licensing officers and emergency medical officers for their role in preventing and treating with accidents.