Describing the number of fatal accidents on the country’s roadways as unacceptable, Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, said heftier fines and stiffer penalties for errant road users are in the works and it is hoped that those measures will at least shift the thinking of some of the country’s road users.

With more than 600 deaths recorded in five years on the country’s roadways, the Minister said stricter enforcement and legislations are needed now more than ever.

“We intend to increase the fines in relation to speeding, drinking and driving, we intend to increase the amount of breathalyzers which will be employed to reduce the question of driving under the influence and also we have to pay attention to driving while under the influence of drugs,’ the Minister said during the launching of road safety month yesterday.

The Home Affairs Minister observed that the current fines are insufficient and might embolden drivers to use the roads in a reckless manner.

“There is the question of increasing fines, the fines are paltry, laughable and people don’t take any care or concern about the amount of fines they have to pay because they think its just a beer money or something or some people think they can bribe the police or call up a ‘big one’”. The Minister said.

Benn also explained that derelict vehicles on the road, as well as reckless parking and towing of vehicles on the roadways are also a cause for concern and will be addressed. He said stricter measures including the impounding of vehicles are also being considered.

“We have to pay attention and deal with the question of traffic ticketing, it is true to say that they are billions of dollars in unpaid traffic ticket and this is a matter which we have to link with the suspension of licenses and the impoundment of vehicles. It could not mean that people are repeatedly given a ticket on the road or at the people and will not pay the fine and continue to drive on the road,” the Minister said.

Already the government has introduced amendments to the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act and Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act with stiffer penalies including hefty fines and jail time.

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