MINISTER of Transport and Mining Robert Montague has appealed to drivers in the public transportation sector to stay on the right side of the law.

He said there may come a time when individuals with criminal records will not be allowed to operate public passenger vehicles (PPV).

“No person with a criminal record ought to be a driver in the public passenger industry, and if during the time you’re a driver, you’re convicted of certain crimes, your badge should be withdrawn,” Montague said.

He was speaking at the IGL Blue Health, Safety and Environment Road Safety incentive awards ceremonyheld at the gas-manufacturing company’s Spanish Town Road location on Wednesday.

The withdrawal of the badges of individuals with criminal records is among proposals for the transformation of the transportation sector that were put forward by the minister in his sectoral debate presentation on May 30.

“We have also said that every driver ought to have a current badge, and if you accumulate too many points [against your driver’s licence], we can’t withdraw your driver’s licence, but we can withdraw your badge,” he said.

“If you are caught driving a taxi without your badge, not only must the driver be penalised, but the owner of the vehicle also ought to be penalised, because the owner has a duty of care. Once you put up your vehicle to be a part of the public passenger network, you have a duty of care, because you are carrying the lives of your fellow citizens,” he added.

Montague said the proposals include measures to reduce road crashes, safeguard the lives of Jamaicans, and accommodate drivers who want to design their own routes.

He is accepting feedback from stakeholders on the proposed measures.