KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Transport Operators Development Sustainable Services (TODSS) says that the delay in passing the Road Traffic Act in the Upper House yesterday, while considered a victory for the public transport sector, must also be seen as democracy at work.

The delay came on the heels of protests by hundreds of transport operators across several parishes who took to the streets this week demonstrating against of the new Act which was passed with amendments in the House of Representatives a week ago.

Chief among the concerns for operators is the Government’s plan to penalise motorists for road traffic breaches that are detected by traffic cameras and other electronic devices.

“While we in the sector have been calling for the quick passage of the Road Traffic Act for us to see if there are any aspect that can assist in reducing the present carnage on our roads it must not be done without due process of consultation engaging all stakeholders,” TODSS said in a release this afternoon.

It said it welcomes senator Rural Reid’s announcement to delay the passing to allow for more consultations, “but we take note also that the bill could go back to the upper House as early as next Friday which would not give enough time for due process of consultation with stakeholders, and we are urging the Senate and the house to let good sense prevail and not to rush its process.”

TODSS is contending that owners should not be held responsible for the ticket of the driver, insisting that “the person who commits the crime should pay the fine”.

The group said it is of the view that the owner of the vehicle must be called upon to provide all relevant information on his employee.