Vaz: Demerit point system implementation being reviewed amid concerns

Minister of Transport Daryl Vaz says a review of the implementation of the demerit point system is under way amid concerns about the proposed structure.

In a statement today, Vaz noted that a team from all relevant ministries has been meeting to conduct the review, with the initial report due next month.

“Their preliminary report, due in September, will provide the foundation for the Government's final decisions, including, if necessary, the establishment of a revised implementation date that is in the best interest of the Jamaican people,” he said.

He stated that the Government is committed to ensuring that any policy or legislative action relating to the Road Traffic Act is guided by sound legal analysis, established precedent, and the overarching objective of improving road safety while ensuring fairness in the administration of the law.

The review will also include issues concerning outstanding traffic tickets and the legal and policy implications of any proposed amendments.

“This review will include extensive consultations with the relevant stakeholders, including the judiciary and other key institutions, to ensure that the Government's position is legally sound, practical, and in the best interest of the Jamaican people,” the minister said in the statement.

Vaz also acknowledged calls for an “amnesty” in relation to outstanding traffic matters.

However, he said any consideration of such a measure must be guided by the existing legal framework and established precedent, rather than differing interpretations of what an amnesty should entail.

Further, he said it would be premature to make definitive pronouncements before the review has been completed.

“Once the review has concluded, the Government will outline a clear and comprehensive position, including any legislative or policy changes that may be required,” he said.

The Government announced in June that the implementation of the demerit point system for traffic violators will take effect on October 1.

Under the Road Traffic Act 2018 and the Road Traffic Regulations 2022, the accumulation of traffic tickets for various offences, including speeding, will result in demerit points being added to a driver's licence.

If a driver accumulates demerit points above a certain threshold, his or her driver's licence may be suspended or the driver may be required to pay a fine.

After 15 months, if a driver has accumulated fewer demerit points than are required for a licence suspension, the points will expire, and the record will be cleared.

However, the announcement was met with concerns from stakeholders, including members of the Opposition, who called for a delay in its implementation, citing, among other issues, a massive traffic ticket backlog.

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