KINGSTON, Jamaica – Transport and Mining Minister, Lester ‘Mike’ Henry, is set to pilot the new Road Traffic Bill through Parliament after conducting a staff sensitisation programme in the transport agencies. 

According to a news release from the ministry today, the seriousness of his intent came in an instruction to his permanent secretary and the board chairmen of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company, Transport Authority and the Island Traffic Authority to immediately embark on a staff sensitisation programme about the contents of the Bill.

“It is very important that the sensitisation programme begins at the ministry and its agencies, as he wants the staff members to become a model of compliance in helping to enforce the new provisions,” the release stated.

Henry said the phenomenal development in the design of motor vehicles and roads have rendered the 1938 Road Traffic Act obsolete and this new Bill seeks to improve road safety and create new categories of driver’s licences in keeping with international best practices adopted for local conditions.

In the meantime, Henry is calling on his legislative colleagues to support the Bill and ensure that the debate associated with  its passage is vigorous, comprehensive and smooth.