The Southern Division has recorded the highest percentage of traffic fines dished out to errant drivers in T&T.So said Sgt Vijay Ramdhanie yesterday at the police press briefing at the Police Administration Building, Port-of-Spain.He said for 2013 to date, ticket fines stood at $280,000, covering a range of offences, including breaches of traffic signs.
Ramdhanie said over the weekend alone, 13 people were arrested by Southern Division Police for drinking and driving and fines amounted to $50,000.Appealing to drivers to obey rules and designate a driver when they are drinking alcohol, especially with the Carnival season in full swing, Ramdhanie said the police would also be out in full force to clamp down on illegalities.
"We have several activities coming up and we will be out there to ensure the rules are obeyed. But most importantly, we want to again appeal to people not to drink and drive because too many lives are being lost," Ramdhanie said.Echoing these sentiments was Special Reserve police officer Brent Batson who called on drivers to exercise personal responsibility while on the road.
Warning about the consequences of speeding, Batson said drivers should wait at least three to four seconds before pulling off at a traffic light, even if it is on green."When the light changes it does not mean to go immediately. You need to wait at least three to four seconds before your foot touches that accelerator. We can't control what the other driver is doing," Batson added.