Errant minibus drivers fined over $500K, 3 licences suspended

Recent enforcement efforts by the Traffic Department in Division 4A (Georgetown) have led to significant penalties being meted out to errant minibus drivers, with fines totalling some $500,000 and three licence being suspended.
Speaking on a recent episode of the GPF’s “Traffic and You” programme, Sergeant Williams highlighted the department’s crackdown on road violations, and emphasised its success in holding accountable those who flout traffic laws.

“Some of these minibus drivers treat small roads like runways, but we have systems in place to deal with those drivers,” Sergeant Williams stated during the interview.
Further, he emphasised the department’s resolve to prosecute those drivers who disregard traffic regulations, and noted that the knowledge these drivers have of the law sometimes surpasses that of police officers.
“Those are some of the challenges we face, and we are up for the challenge,” Sergeant Williams affirmed.
In addition to the fines and suspensions, Sergeant Williams expressed concern about safety issues such as overcrowded buses and schoolgirls being allowed to sit on the laps of male passengers. He labelled those practices unacceptable, and highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of the law in order to ensure passengers’ safety.
Further, Williams noted that ongoing efforts to address challenges such as school children lingering at minibus parks instead of attending school promptly underscore the department’s commitment to promoting safer commuting experiences for all road users.
“When we visit the parks after 9:00h, they are still there, and we have to ensure they board buses to get to school,” Sergeant Williams remarked.
To combat the alarming rate of road fatalities attributed to drunken and reckless driving, the National Assembly has enacted the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill. This legislative measure places a heightened emphasis on revocations, suspensions, and increased fines aimed at deterring such dangerous behaviours; and not only seeks to enforce stricter penalties, but also aims to cultivate a cultural shift in attitudes towards road safety and the responsible use of roadways.
With the passage of this Bill, a new charge, “motor manslaughter”, has been introduced, targeting individuals who cause fatalities while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Further, the legislation imposes harsher penalties for cases involving grievous bodily harm resulting from driving under the influence. Presently, offenders face fines ranging from $30,000 to $60,000, or up to 12 years’ imprisonment. Under the new provisions, first-time offenders would incur a fine of $200,000, escalating to a minimum of $300,000 for repeat offences; and individuals convicted under this section would be barred from holding or obtaining a driver’s licence for 12 months.
Moreover, the Bill mandates a significant increase in fines for driving or attempting to drive with blood alcohol levels exceeding the prescribed limit. The penalty has been increased from $7,500 to $200,000, underscoring the Government’s commitment to curbing alcohol-related road accidents and promoting safer driving practices.