Former Minister of Works and Transport Jack Warner has expressed support for the doubling of road traffic offence fines but has voiced concerns about jaywalking and the roadworthiness of government vehicles.

Warner shared a letter he wrote to Transport Minister Eli Zakour, urging decisive action to increase penalties amid what he described as the “alarming rise in lawlessness” on the nation’s roads.

While he welcomed the measure, effective January 1, Warner said he was struck by the timing and manner of the announcement, calling it a “Grinch who stole Christmas” moment. He acknowledged, however, that stronger penalties are a legitimate tool to curb road fatalities and enforce compliance.