Draft Transportation Policy Approved

~~Adz:Left~~Roadtown; Tortola: Friday, August 8 – Government has approved the draft Transportation Policy, which addresses the transportation of persons for hire and reward in an attempt to better regulate the industry’s operation.

Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works Mrs. Myrna Ferdinand said the ministry is now ready to move forward with the implementation phase.

The draft policy will re-define the use and purpose of commercial “CM” license plates, clarify the types of vehicles that will be issued such plates and introduce a new category of plates referred to as “Livery”, under which vehicles used for tours, shuttles, buses and limousine services will be registered.

Mrs. Ferdinand reiterated that the plates in this category will be classified as “T” for tours, “S” for shuttles, “B” for buses and “L” for limousines.  She added that they will be identifiable by unique license plates for each class. 

The Ministry of Communications and Works will be holding a series of meetings with representatives from the transportation industry and persons in the community to further explain the new policy.  Minister for Communications and Works the Honourable Julian Fraser, R.A. met with persons in the transportation industry on April 23, to discuss the draft policy. 

During the upcoming meetings officials from the Ministry will discuss what aspects of the policy were approved and give persons the opportunity to ask questions.

The policy aids in the removal of illegal taxis using “CM” license plates and will help provide a better regulated and more efficient transportation system.

Currently, only vehicles that carry the taxi “TX” license plates are allowed by law to transport persons for hire. 

The Ministry of Communications and Works plans to embark on a detailed public education campaign on the new amendment, which will include radio and television programmes and the distribution of literature.

The Ministry of Communications and Works is dedicated to providing safe, efficient and affordable transportation and infrastructural services to enhance community life and economic growth within the Territory.