Warns against non-compliance with traffic regulations
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – SOMEHOW, temptation always presents itself and is often yielded to. How often has a vehicle owner recognised that one or more of his/her external vehicle lights is damaged and, rather than making immediate attempts to rectify the infraction, operate the vehicle as is with the hope that “police won’t see me.”
It is against this mode of thinking that the Traffic Department endeavours to guard, and on Friday (Aug. 5) it conducted one of its routine operations which focused on vehicle lighting infractions.
The operation, which stretched between Camps, Frigate Bay and Conaree, took place at night thereby allowing officers involved to ascertain whether or not the lighting fixtures on the vehicles were functional.
It is no secret that an increased risk of accident comes with driving at nights when the luminescence of the sun is absent. Depending chiefly on street lights and lights provided by motor vehicles, motorists and other road users are advised to always maneuver along the island’s road network with care.
Inspector Cromwell Henry, Head of the Traffic Department, told SKNVibes that 22 tickets were distributed during the operation; 77 percent of which were to individuals who committed vehicle lighting infractions.
“On Friday last, we conducted one such routine operation and over 22 tickets were issued; 17 of which were for lighting offences. The others were for unlicenced vehicles and expired driver’s licences. This shows the magnitude of the problem on the road at nights as we - from time to time on our programme - get this feedback from motorists who are affected, and from our own observations.”
The law, specifically the Vehicles and Roads Traffic Act, makes certain lights unauthorised and it also mandates that specific lighting must be present at the back of motor vehicles so as to illuminate the rear registration plate, among other things.
Henry expressed that digression from the law could have far-reaching effects.
“Any deviation from these requirements by motorists creates a situation where an offence is committed. But apart from committing an offence, a safety hazard is also created, in that the vehicle would be less visible or they could cause other drivers to be confused as to the type of vehicle that is approaching them and could cause other problems.”
The Traffic Head said his department would continue its sensitisation efforts and he urged vehicle operators to comply with all traffic regulations.
“The police have the responsibility to ensure that our roads remain safe, and so from time to time we are on the road to ensure that drivers are not committing these offences. We intend to continue our efforts to curtain the incidences of breaches of the lighting regulations and to ensure that our roads remain safe, particular at nights when road users are more vulnerable.
“We continue to urge vehicle owners and drivers to ensure that their vehicles comply with all traffic regulations, but, in particular, as it relates to lighting as driving at night tends to pose additional risk to all road users.”
