Javascript Menu by Deluxe-Menu.com

SKNBuzz Radio - Strictly Local Music Toon Center
My Account | Contact Us  

Our Partner For Official online store of the Phoenix Suns Jerseys

 Home  >  Headlines  >  NEWS
Posted: Monday 3 July, 2017 at 2:26 PM

Some motorists and rental agencies disrespect Traffic Laws

By: Stanford Conway, SKNVibes.com
    BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – LAST Saturday evening (Jul. 1) the Federation had recorded its fourth road fatality for the year.

    According to police reports, the incident occurred at about 9:35 p.m. on the island’s main road in the New Guinea area while the driver of a jeep was attempting to overtake another vehicle.

    The vehicle reportedly ran off the road, crashed into a tree and ejected the two passengers who were in the back seat. They were taken to the JNF General Hospital, where one of them was pronounced dead and the other retained for treatment to his injuries.

    The name of the deceased was given to SKNVibes as Damian Hutton.

    Police informed that the driver was taken into custody and investigations were ongoing.

    Circumstances surrounding the incident are not known by this publication, but speculations are rife that it might have been a case of speed and misjudgement by the driver; and taking into account that it occurred at night.

    For the longest while the Police Traffic Department has been appealing to motorists to drive with care and to observe all traffic signs.

    June, last year, following an accident on the F.T. Williams Highway, a representative of the Traffic Department had said: “We are appealing to motorists to drive within the speed limit. We have noticed there have been quite a number of accidents along the F.T. Williams Highway, some of which could have been avoided. 

    “Be careful when using the Federation’s streets and always ensure that you observe all traffic signs, which include speed limits signs, give-way signs et cetera. The life you save by observing these signs could be your own.”

    A similar appeal was made in January of that year following a collision of two buses on the Bay Road in Basseterre.

    “We at the Department appeal to drivers to remember that the speed limit is 40 miles per hour in non-built-up areas and 20 miles per hour in built-up areas. And we appeal to them that whenever coming out from junctions, especially at blind spots, they need to do so with utmost care and caution.” 

    But do all motorists adhere to these appeals?

    This writer does not think so; for even in downtown Basseterre, which can be classified as the most built-up area in St. Kitts, one can see motorists driving above the speed limit on a regular basis – especially along Pond Road in Newtown.

    There is also a particular junction in Basseterre where accidents are in-wait and can result in serious injuries to pedestrians.

    It is at the corner of Cayon Street and West Independence Square Street, just a few metres from the Basseterre Police Station.

    Some people have complained that many motorists travelling along Cayon Street do not indicate that they are turning onto West Independence Square Street, and many pedestrians are sometimes caught in the middle of the latter street when those vehicles negotiate that turn.

    Sometime pedestrians have to scamper to reach the other side of the road in an attempt to avoid being struck by those vehicles.

    One individual suggested that “the authorities should place a Police Officer or a Traffic Warden at that corner to issue tickets to all motorists who violate the traffic laws, especially those who fail to indicate their intention”.

    Another noticeable fact is that of vehicle owners not adhering to law relating to the tinting of their vehicles as outlined in the Vehicles and Road Traffic Act Chapter 15.06.

    This Act makes provision for the registration and licensing of motor vehicles, traffic safety and related or incidental matters.

    Stemming from the commission of a number of shooting incidents in which heavily-tinted vehicles were reported used, the Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris, had publicly announced during his monthly press conference on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 that the Team Unity Administration had given its support for the enforcement of that law.

    “I want to remind all people, in particular those in possession of vehicles, the Commissioner had advised that with regard to rental vehicles the law is crystal clear. No tinting, absolutely none would be allowed. So whatever your rental agency, please, you should immediately move to remove those tints.” 

    He continued: “Other vehicles, there is the need for a transmission of light of 35 percent. It is the record, it is the law and so we say, stay within the law. Do not break the law and then quarrel and create further offence.”
     
    Dr. Harris explained that “none compliance with the law on tinting could lead to a fine of EC$5,000” and that once a motorist is given a traffic ticket for tinting, a fine of EC$150 is to be paid. 

    He however added that if convicted in a court of law, the person would have to pay the EC$5,000 and or imprisonment of six months. 
     
    “So let us not chance it…let us do what the law requires that we do. I want to appeal to all to comply with the law. Let good sense prevail and let the intelligence-led policing policy guide the policy framework,” Dr. Harris said.

    Since then, a number of callers to SKNVibes had claimed to have seen many heavily-tinted vehicles still travelling on the roads in St. Kitts as well as tinted vehicles owned by some rental agencies.

    Is this not a blatant disregard for the law? Or is it that the officers who are responsible for ensuring the law is enforced turn a blind eye to violators?

    According to statistics gleaned from the police on May 31 2017, there had been 417 traffic accidents in the Federation; 159 on Nevis and 258 on St. Kitts including four fatalities.

    Saturday evening’s accident has taken to five the number of fatalities for this year.

    The management and staff of SKNVibes take this opportunity to convey their sincere condolences to the family and friends of the late Damian Hutton and to appeal to all motorists to obey all traffic laws.

    Remember, by adhering to the law, the the life you save may very well be your own.



     

     

     

     

Copyright © 2024 SKNVibes, Inc. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy   Terms of Service