KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness says consideration is being given to temporarily suspend and, in some cases, remove the enforcement of some offences from the Traffic Ticket Management System (TTMS), until full support systems are in place.

Holness was speaking after a recently-concluded meeting of the National Security Council.

His comments follow new directives issued by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to its members guiding prosecution of the offence of using an electronic device (including mobile phones) whilst driving, which clarify that the device must be observed in the hands of the motorist.

READ: ‘Drivers ticketed for cellphones in laps’ – police address unfair ticketing allegations

The prime minister said this move was an immediate action coming out of the meeting following a presentation from the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport (MSETT) on the emerging issues with the implementation and enforcement of the current Road Traffic Act (2018) and Regulations (2022), and proposed amendments to make the law fairer to ensure practical enforcement and safety of the public.

Holness noted that among those issues deliberated and where amendments are proposed and are already in progress, are the provisions concerning the use of communication devices while driving; the exemption of drivers of public passenger vehicles from the requirement to have the prescribed child restraint system in place; the renewal of driver’s licence for persons 70 years and over; the reduction of demerit points for some offences; and the designation of school safety zones.

He said the final deliberation of these amendments will be undertaken by an operationalisation committee which will be established to steer development of the implementation plan.

The completed list of amendments is expected to be brought to Parliament within the next two months, the prime minister said.