Henry gets tough on lawless motorists
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Transport and Mining Minister Lester Mike Henry says the cry of the public about the wanton disregard of the Road Traffic Act by some motorists, especially drivers of public passenger vehicles, have not fallen on deaf ears.
Henry, in a release today, said the regulating government agencies under his ministry have been given strict instructions to enforce the regulations without fear or favour and that no amount of criticism will deter him from giving them his full support in executing their duties within the law and with respect for human rights.
He said the enforcement orders will be accompanied by an islandwide education campaign, especially for the new Road Traffic Bill now before Parliament.
“It will be given priority attention,” Henry said, adding that he hopes for full by-partisan support when it is tabled as soon as Parliament reconvenes.
The minister also said the warning is extended to public sector workers within the ministry and its agencies, from the top to the bottom, if they fail to carry out their duties in accordance the law.
According to the transport minister, the new transportation policy that is being developed will be fast-tracked in order to give additional support to the modern Road Traffic Bill that will be passed.
The new policy will include public consultations, as new channels of communication at the ministry will be opened up, the release said.