The issue of inadequate roads in Jamaica is more widely known than Usain Bolt’s 100m world record. The presence of potholes is widespread and they pose a particular hazard at night on poorly lit roads.
The condition is so deplored that now it possesses a serious threat to road safety. But, lads, you will be fined if you meet with an accident on Jamaican roads. You will be penalized if you don’t drive properly on damaged roads. The PM Andrew Holness administration is passing the buck on Jamaicans for poor road infrastructure.
On 9th February 2023, PM Andrew Holness extended support for high traffic fines under the new Road Traffic Act and Regulations aimed to deter bad driving and improve road safety. As per the PM, the fines are not a revenue-generating measure, but a penalty to prevent reckless driving.
Jamaica’s new Road and Traffic Act went into effect on January 31st, 2023, with some of the harshest fines in recent history. Fines range from $10,000 to over $50,000. Infractions such as driving an uninsured vehicle ($20,000 fine), using a revolving lamp to warn others ($10,000 fine), and performing a ‘wheelie’ on a motorcycle ($10,000 fine) all carry stiff penalties.
While the government is thumping its chest on implementing the laws, Jamaicans are criticizing the law citing it as beneficiary and punishing Jamaicans.
Punishing Jamaicans
For instance, under the new Road Traffic Act, public passenger vehicle operators are required to have a restraint system in place when transporting children. A breach carries a fine of $5,000. Taxi drivers railed against the provision, refusing, in some cases, to transport children for fear of being ticketed.
Some Jamaicans have also argued that the fines are more than half of what Jamaicans earn. An average Jamaican earns just $5200 per month. Whereas, the penalties themselves start from $10k.
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PM Andrew Holness says move on
Despite knowing that roads are deplored, yet, Andrew Holness, the PM of Jamaica, believes that it’s the public order responsible for accidents. He has advised the Jamaicans to move on. He also notes the argument that the fines are too high, but stresses that lower fines would only encourage continued reckless behavior.
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PM Andrew Holness seems to be punishing the Jamaican people which is simply unacceptable. It adds insult to injury for a nation that is already struggling with the consequences of bad roads.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd5rmGyM2lk