The Road Traffic Department is currently fine tuning new legislation to present to the present session of Parliament that will redefine the activities of the driving public.
Minister of Transport and Aviation, Glenys Hanna-Martin said of top priority, is the fine-tuning of legislation dealing with the use of seatbelts.
Pending legislation will deal with third party insurance and the abolition of Road Act Insurance, left turn on red lights at traffic intersections, and the regulation of driving schools.
Current law requires drivers to wear seat belts, but the present fine of $300 for lack of seatbelt use is much higher than other jurisdictions, Hanna-Martin said.
Amendments to the seatbelt law is expected to be the first issue Hanna-Martin will present to her Parliamentary colleagues, in order to clear all of the outstanding issues related to the newly enacted Seatbelt Law, including its enforcement.
Due to increasing reports of driving negligence among younger drivers, the Road Traffic Department, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education is “vigorously” pursuing the introduction of a driver education programme in all schools in the Bahamas at the twelfth-grade level.
By introducing good driving skills in the schools, the Minister hopes that eventually, the evolving driving public will become a more conscientious one.
Hanna-Martin revealed the new legislation plans during a press conference Thursday, to announce the Ministry of Transport and Aviation Awareness week, which runs from October 13 – 19. This year’s theme is “Ministry of Transport and Aviation – Technologically Driven”.
“The Ministry aims to sensitise the Bahamian and visiting public as to the wide array of services and regulatory functions provided by the Ministry through its several agencies, and to focus attention on the impact that the Ministry’s activities have on the daily lives of all Bahamians and visitors residing within its geographic confines,” said Minister Hanna-Martin.
Activities begin with a church service at Golden Gates Assembly. Officials from the Ministry will engage in a series of school visits and radio talk shows throughout the week.
An exhibition will be officially opened at the General Post Office Building next Wednesday.
Awards will be presented to deserving public servants on Friday at the Atlantis Hotel. During the conference, Minister Hanna-Martin commended employees who work for the Ministry, and called for more interest to be placed in luring students into the field.
On Saturday, the Ministry will host a Fun Walk/Run and Souse Out at Goodman’s Bay.
The week will end with a Boat Cruise on board the Sea Link on the night of the 19th.
By Felicity Delancy, The Bahama Journal
