Transport Minister Robert Montague has said that as soon as the House of Representatives approves Senate amendments to the Road Traffic Act and the governor general gives his assent, the Government would be rolling out an extensive public-education exercise to inform motorists about the new provisions in the statute.
On May 11, the Upper House passed the Road Traffic Act with 161 amendments. It is now left for the Lower House to approve those amendments before the bill is sent to the governor general for his signature.
Montague told The Gleaner yesterday that he had already accepted the Senate amendments. He said that the House of Representatives was expected to consider the amendments at the end of the Sectoral Debate.
The new Road Traffic Act will repeal the 1938 statute and introduce new provisions in keeping with international best practices for road safety.
Under the proposed new legislation, fines have been increased for several offences.
Driving a motor vehicle on a road without a valid certificate of fitness will attract a fine of $15,000 payable at the Collector of Taxes.
At the same time, a person who drives an unlicensed vehicle could end up paying $10,000 at the tax office for the offence.
Driving a motor vehicle on a road without insurance coverage could attract a $20,000 fine.
A person who drives a vehicle on a road without being the holder of a permit or driver’s licence could be slapped with a $40,000 fine.
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