BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — TRAFFIC violations continue to be a significant challenge for law enforcement, as new data reveals that over 6,000 tickets were issued in 2024.
According to the police force, St. Kitts remains a key area of concern, with the majority of violations occurring there. Data shared by Sergeant Sophia Henry indicates that a total of 6,740 traffic tickets were issued across the twin islands. During her appearance on WINN FM yesterday (Jan. 20), she noted that 4,278 of those tickets have been paid.
Providing a detailed breakdown, Sergeant Henry reported that 936 tickets were issued for speeding alone, with 886 of them recorded in St. Kitts — highlighting ongoing challenges with speeding and road safety across the Federation.
She further revealed that of the 886 speeding tickets issued in St. Kitts, 622 were paid, 164 cases remain pending, 96 remain unpaid, and four were canceled.
The public is reminded that while speeding tickets are frequently contested, fines increase for delayed payments. Additional penalties are imposed for every 10 miles per hour over the speed limit.
In recent months, the Federation has seen a troubling surge in road accidents, with 12 fatalities reported last year. Speeding and driver distractions are cited as primary causes of these incidents.
Sergeant Henry noted that 1,700 accidents were reported across the Federation in 2024, with St. Kitts accounting for 1,345 and Nevis reporting 439. Tragically, there were eight fatal accidents, resulting in the 12 deaths.
As the number of new drivers and vehicles increases, the challenges on the roads persist. Last year saw the registration of 2,039 new vehicles across the territory, further emphasizing the need for enhanced road safety measures.