Jamaicans are being urged to play a greater role in making Jamaica’s roads safer by reporting dangerous driving behaviour that puts lives at risk.
Transport Minister Daryl Vaz says the Drive Safe app will be launched soon, as public reporting will be a key part of efforts to improve compliance with the Road Traffic Act.
However, Mr. Vaz cautioned that members of the public should not put themselves or others in danger to capture evidence of traffic breaches.
Minister Vaz said motorists are not being asked to testify in court but to provide information that can assist law enforcement.
Acknowledging the police for their work in reducing crime and traffic offences, he said the force cannot be everywhere at all times due to limited personnel and resources, making public cooperation essential in improving road safety.
“But one thing I can tell you is that the mindset of those persons who are doing the infractions on a daily basis, knowing that it’s not only the police that they have to look for at this corner of East King’s House Road and Hope Road, that it’s the hundreds and thousands of motor vehicles that are plying the streets of Jamaica every day. If you help us with that, I guarantee you they will think twice and three times before they overtake the line of traffic to get to the front of the line, and then break the red light,” he outlined, stressing that he was “not categorising any one set of road users”.
Minister Vaz said the upcoming Drive Safe app will serve as a centralised platform for public submissions, helping to facilitate more coordinated action by the relevant regulatory and enforcement agencies.
The Transport Authority is currently advancing the development of the application, which is expected to be launched in the final week of July. This launch is said to coincide with the rollout of the demerit points system.
Mr. Vaz acknowledged concerns among some motorists, but added that reports may be submitted via multiple platforms, including Jamaica Constabulary Force’s WhatsApp line at 876-591-5671; Transport Authority’s WhatsApp at 876-374-8352, 876-551-8196 or 876-279-8515, or email customer service at ta.org.jm. They may also reach out to the Island Traffic Authority via its social media pages.
In the meantime, procurement is underway for the National Road Safety Campaign as the government ramps up preparations for the October 1 implementation of the demerit points system.
As of June 24, some 136 people have been killed in 122 road crashes, with reckless driving, improper overtaking and other traffic violations among the leading causes.
Minister Vaz gave the update on Thursday at the Transport Ministry press briefing on the operationalisation of the demerit points system.
Mr. Vaz said the deadline for submission of tenders has been extended until July 10.
He also sought to remind the public that the government had earlier this year approved a 5 per cent allocation from the revenues collected from traffic offences to be allotted to the Ministry of Transport for the National Road Safety Campaign.