Dear Editor,

I write to express a growing national concern regarding the escalating indiscipline on Jamaica’s roads. The behaviour of these road hogs has become a daily threat to public safety, order, and the well-being of law-abiding citizens.

In Jamaica the term “road hogs” refers to reckless, inconsiderate, and rule-breaking drivers. This includes drivers of taxis, minibuses, private cars, and motorcycles who endanger others through speeding, illegal manoeuvres, and blatant disregard for the Road Traffic Act. Their actions have led to constant calls from the public and authorities for stricter enforcement, more cameras, and harsher penalties.

Who are they?

• Public passenger vehicles (PPVs): Route taxis and minibuses frequently weave through traffic, overload vehicles, and ignore basic road laws.

• Motorcyclists: Often seen with noisy exhausts, riding without proper safety gear, and engaging in reckless stunts or manoeuvres.

• Private motor vehicle drivers: Guilty of speeding, ignoring red lights, overtaking dangerously, and creating hazardous situations for other road users.

Every day Jamaicans witness the same troubling patterns:

• drivers mounting sidewalks and soft shoulders to bypass traffic

• motorists ignoring traffic signals and police instructions

• intersections blocked by aggressive manoeuvres

• speeding through school zones

• pedestrians and cyclists placed at constant risk

These are not minor infractions. They are life-threatening acts that create chaos and frustration for thousands of responsible road users.

It is important to acknowledge that the Jamaica Constabulary Force has shown, through sustained and strategic efforts, that national problems can be brought under control. The significant reductions in major crimes in recent years demonstrate what is possible when enforcement is consistent, visible, and unrelenting. We are now asking for that same level of commitment to be applied to restoring order on our roads.

We, therefore, call on the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB) to intensify and sustain its efforts by:

1) continuously having a presence in known hotspots: Areas such as Constant Spring Road, Half-Way-Tree, Barbican, Dunrobin, Red Hills Road, and Marcus Garvey Drive require ongoing presence — not occasional blitzes.

2) taking firm action against repeat offenders: Chronic violators must face escalating consequences to deter habitual lawlessness.

3) greater use of technology: Traffic cameras, licence plate recognition, and digital ticketing can help overcome manpower limitations and ensure accountability.

4) implementing public education and visibility: A clear, ongoing campaign reminding Jamaicans of the laws — and the penalties for breaking them — would reinforce the seriousness of the issue.

5) developing a stronger partnership with the public: Citizens would be willing to report dangerous behaviour if they know their reports will be taken seriously and acted upon.

This appeal is not made in criticism, but in partnership. Jamaica needs the same sustained, strategic enforcement that has helped reduce crime to now be applied to road safety. Our roads must not be surrendered to the most aggressive and undisciplined among us.

Every Jamaican deserves to travel without fear. Every child should be able to cross the road safely. Every law-abiding driver should feel protected — not overrun — by those who disregard the law.

We look to PSTEB for renewed urgency and leadership in restoring order to our nation’s roads.

A Concerned Jamaican Citizen