Gov’t using new traffic fines to make money off people

Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn has rejected some of the fines proposed under the updated Road Traffic Act, calling them excessive and accusing the government of using the legislation to recoup funds it has mismanaged during its term.

The government is currently moving to modernise the 37-year-old Road Traffic Act, which, if passed, would introduce higher fines for offences such as dangerous driving, impaired driving, and repeat violations. The most severe proposed penalty is a $4,500 fine for dangerous driving.

But Walwyn argued that the increased penalties are a cash grab targeting residents who are already burdened by a high cost of living.

“Some of the fees are warranted but some are excessive and it’s almost as if the police will be out swooping people to give them a ticket so government can get some money for the consolidated fund,” Walwyn criticized. “You could afford to give Vybz Kartel $300,000 but you’re here taxing the people?”

While calling for the proposed fines to be reduced, Walwyn also took aim at the poor state of the territory’s roads, saying motorists should not be penalised so harshly when road conditions are substandard and negatively affect their driving.

“It’s called a Road Traffic Act — ‘road’ is the operative word. The road dem ain’t no good. We’re playing hopscotch on the roads and now you’re charging the people extra money for roads that ain’t no good? This is the height of political wickedness! You shouldn’t drive without a license but to move from $150 to $1,500 in one swoop. That’s excessive,” Walwyn said.

He also criticised a proposed measure requiring seniors over a certain age to submit medical documents before their driver’s licenses can be renewed.

Walwyn’s remarks stirred visible reactions from members of the government, who made audible comments during his presentation. When he concluded his contribution to the debate, Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley rose in rebuttal, accusing Walwyn of politicising an issue that affects the daily lives of residents.

“The challenge we have in the Virgin Islands is politics and sometimes we can’t get things to function properly here because all we can think about is votes and who will get in power. What about the people who want to see the roads function properly? Instead of being able to look at a bill through the prism of what is right, the only way we want to look at it is what is to my political advantage. It’s disgusting! And we’ll never get anywhere with that,” the Premier said.

The bill is currently at the committee stage in the House of Assembly, where it is undergoing detailed scrutiny by all lawmakers.