Acquisition of nine more speed-measuring guns and introduction of a demerit point system– where drivers receive points for various motoring violations – are among the Works Ministry's road safety improvement "push."
Works Minister Rohan Sinanan spoke about the plans in the Senate yesterday, replying to a question from Opposition Senator Wade Mark on the road death numbers.
"The ministry is of the view that one road fatality is one too many," Sinanan said.
He said Government will be issuing advertisements on Friday for tenders for supply of nine more speed guns on open competitive tender.
He said this will cost "a lot less than before" and will be implemented on a phases basis over the next two years.
The ministry will also use "fixed spot speed" enhancement cameras to target speeding drivers. The devices will not require a police officer to operate them. They'll be implemented in the "shortest possible time, he added.
Sinanan said the Government will embark on reform of the legislative framework governing the Fixed Penalty Ticketing System and the introduction of a demerit point system. He didn't detail the system.
The point system had been discussed by the past PNM administration, but had not been implemented.
The past PNM proposal had involved "awarding" demerit points to motorists for traffic and motoring violations. Penalty had been loss of their licence after they had accumulated a certain level of points.
The current administration has to finalise the format to be used for the planned demerit point system under the upcoming legislation.
Other methods currently being used by the Ministry to enhance road safety include, Zebra Crossings, traffic signs and specialised road marking to reduce the risk of accidents involving pedestrians crossing busy roads.
The ministry also implemented High Tension Barriers to curb fatalities caused by median cross-over traffic and roadside crashes along the Uriah Butler and Solomon Hochoy highways.
Other initiatives include provision of road "Studs" on highways and main roads, accessible pedestrian signal devices and increased Licensing Division motor vehicle officers.