BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Traffic Department is reminding motorists that they are to observe and adhere to the Traffic Laws of the land, as failure to do so would result in them being penalised.
And as part of its thrust to ensure that there is compliance with the laws, the Department conducted an exercise on Friday (Jun. 5) between 6:00 and 9:00 a.m. which saw two Vehicle Checkpoints (VCPs) being established - one along the western corridor of the island and the other on the eastern.
The Department reported that the number of vehicles checked at both checkpoints exceeded 100 and, of that number, 20 individuals were issued tickets for traffic infractions.
The infractions range from failing to display licence sticker, operating a motorcycle without wearing the proper protective headgear, driving while on cellphone, driving without a valid driver’s licence and operating a vehicle that carries a defective licence plate.
These account for 30 percent of the tickets issued.
However, 35 percent of the tickets was issued to motorists who were operating vehicles, which windows and or windscreens were too heavily tinted.
And 25 percent was issued to persons operating unlicenced vehicles.
The remaining 10 percent was for individuals who failed to wear their seatbelt while travelling in or operating a vehicle.
A representative of the Traffic Department indicated to SKNVibes that motorists often complain of the Department’s timing when conducting these exercises and that they proved to be a major inconvenience.
It was however explained that the Department has a duty to ensure that the Traffic Laws of St. Christopher and Nevis are followed, and also to ensure that those who are bent on disobeying them understand the ramifications of their lack of compliance.
It was further explained that some motorists take certain Traffic Laws for granted and often deem it unnecessary and unbeneficial to observe them. Thus the Traffic Department has need to and will continue to be vigilant in the conduct of these exercises.
