Minister highlights initiatives on MTW’s Road Safety agenda

THE Ministry of Transport and Works will be embarking on a number of initiatives during the coming financial year, to ensure the safety of Barbadians on local roads.

 

Minister of Transport and Works, Michael Lashley, noted recently that these initiatives will include the continued improvement of Barbados’ road infrastructure, through the construction of roundabouts at intersections; an increase in the number of crosswalks, road markings and safety signs; and the realignment of roads and sidewalks.

 

Another key item on the Ministry’s agenda, he said, will be the introduction of the Electronic Vehicle Registration System.

 

“(This) will allow us to monitor the road worthiness of vehicles using our roads and we expect to have a public education programme for this system very shortly,” the Minister remarked.

 

Minister Lashley also revealed that Government is moving to complete work on amendments to the Road Traffic Act and a key focus will be on the provision that allows for Breathalyser Testing.

 

“Again, as I repeatedly say, legislation takes time and you cannot rush legislation through Parliament. I mentioned that because I also have to mention the fact that we are continuing to work on the amendments in the Road Traffic Act, namely provisions like the Breathalyser Test, which will have a significant positive impact on road safety in Barbados. And I will report that I have received documentation from the Attorney General, in relation to the Breathalyser Test, to have discussion with the stakeholders that this provision will impact upon and of course, the stakeholders that would have an 

interest in the Breathalyser Test,” Lashley revealed.

 

He added, “The Ministry will be meeting shortly with all relevant stakeholders in the matter of road safety in Barbados.”

 

The Minister’s comments came yesterday as he spoke at the launch of the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) for Barbados, at the Ministry of Transport and Works’ Sports Club, in the Pine Basin in St. Michael. (RSM)