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Former Minister of Works and Transport Dr Jack Austin Warner has praised the government’s 100 per cent increase in traffic fines, but warned that road safety efforts must also address pedestrian behaviour and the roadworthiness of government vehicles.
In a letter to Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Eli Zakour, Warner highlighted the growing problem of jaywalking and distracted walking, particularly among people on mobile phones. He said this behaviour, often ignoring traffic lights and pedestrian crossings, puts both pedestrians and motorists at risk. Warner called for public education and enforcement measures that go beyond drivers, warning that responsibility for safe roads should not rest solely on motorists.
Warner acknowledged the boldness of Zakour’s decision to double fines, noting the announcement on Christmas night might have surprised many. “Road carnage has become far too familiar. Doing nothing was not an option,” he wrote, saying stronger penalties were a necessary tool to curb lawlessness on the roads, reduce fatalities, and contribute to public revenue.
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