MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Against the backdrop of road fatalities and indiscipline on the nation’s roads, police in Manchester clamped down on defective vehicles and breaches of the Road Traffic Act on Friday.

The clampdown targeted all major roads leading into the parish. Head of the Manchester police Deputy Superintendent Carey Duncan said at the end of the operation 305 tickets were issued for breaches of the Road Traffic Act, 48 summons issued and 32 sets of license plates removed from defective vehicles.

He said the police also seized two cars and three motorcycles. Five pounds of marijuana was also seized.

Head of the Police Area Three, Assistant Commissioner of Police Calvin Allen said the clampdown was a part of a coordinated operation.

“What you are seeing out here is a multifaceted security operation, it involves members of the Transport Authority, the Island Traffic Authority, our military partners. We are taking the approach of road policing all geared towards ensuring that we have safer road. Geared towards ensuring that our citizens are reassured and feel safe as they traverse the respective corridors of Manchester,” he said.

He pointed the stern warning of Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake.

“You heard the utterances of our commissioner of police in recent times as he seeks to provide that level of reassurance to our citizenry as to the role and function of the police, but also sending a clear message to those who seek to disrupt the good order of society,” he said.

“What we are doing out here is basically practicalising the utterances of our commissioner as we seek to ensure greater order and safety on our roads and in our communities,” he added.

— Kasey Williams