Prime Minister Andrew Holness has instructed the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) to undertake weekly reviews and provide reports about the enforcement and effectiveness of the measures as well as concerns voiced by the public regarding the implementation of the new Road Traffic Act.

Prime Minister Holness outlined in a release that this measure was inculcated to curb the risk of road fatalities and keep road users safe.

He also added that the measure will ensure the engagement of the nation and penultimately achieve a high level of compliance.

“The continuous increase in road traffic deaths and injuries has been a major concern for this Government and the new RTA and its effective enforcement are essential to reducing the risk of fatalities and keeping vulnerable road users safe, including pedestrians, cyclists, children, elders, and people with disabilities.” Prime Minister Holness explained.

“The Government recognizes that with these significant changes to the road traffic laws and enhanced enforcement, a period of consistent review has to be undertaken to ensure engagement of the entire nation, and to achieve a high level of compliance.” He added.

Prime Minister Holness also indicated that the Government has cited concerns raised by citizens regarding the requirement of child restraints in vehicles and underscored that the implementation was incorporated in the first Road Traffic Act 2001 which was deliberated by the Joint Select Committee chaired by Dr Omar Davies in 2001.

He assured that a deliberation on the matter will be done at the next meeting of the Road Safety Council on February 9.