By Kisean Joseph
A new demerit system has ignited discussions about road safety and the effectiveness of current traffic laws. It is aimed at improving road safety and has received mixed reactions from experts and citizens alike.
Paul Ryan speaking on the Big Issues on Sunday, expressed cautious optimism about the demerit system. “A demerit system is something that will be welcomed, at least to those of us who are safe drivers on the road,” he stated. However, he raised concerns about the implementation and enforcement of the new initiative.
Alistair Savoury a local cyclist, concurred, stating, “The demerit system, while it has merit in some regards, relies very heavily from the get-go on enforcement.” He said that the current traffic laws, if properly enforced, would be more than adequate to address many road safety concerns.
The system would assign demerits to drivers for various traffic violations, with more serious offenses carrying higher point values. Collecting 12 demerits within a year could result in license suspension. Some of the most severe infractions, carrying 5 demerits, include dangerous overtaking maneuvers, and failing to give way to overtaking vehicles.
While the intention behind the system is clear, both Ryan and Savoury highlighted significant challenges that need to be addressed before its implementation.
“Our major issue with anything new, or even our current traffic laws in Antigua, is enforcement,” Ryan emphasized. He pointed out that many of the proposed demerits would be difficult to enforce without substantial changes to current policing practices.
Savoury championed the implementation of “raised traffic furniture,” a concept that includes raised curbs, traffic islands, and other physical barriers to control traffic flow and protect vulnerable road users.
“Raised traffic furniture is a must,” he insisted, citing successful implementations in other countries to curb dangerous driving behaviors.
It is clear that while the proposed demerit system has its value, it’s just one piece of a larger puzzle. Addressing road infrastructure, enforcement of existing laws, and comprehensive driver education appear to be crucial steps in improving road safety in Antigua and Barbuda.
