More than 50 000 vehicles uninsured, untaxed, say cops

About one in four vehicles using the nation’s roads — as many as 50 000 — are either uninsured or untaxed, The Barbados Police Service revealed Wednesday as it launched a new traffic management initiative ahead of the busy holiday season.

A senior police officer told journalists that of the more than 180 000 registered vehicles in the country, about 50 000 are uninsured or untaxed.

Superintendent Wayne Archer, who is responsible for the Special Operations Management Service Division, said: “You recognise that there are a large quantity of vehicles on the road, perhaps without the taxes being paid, without insurance. And my last communication would have indicated that there are [over 50 000] vehicles on the road in this condition, which are on the road illegally.”

The revelation came during a press conference at the Police Command Centre at District ‘A’ Police Station where the police service outlined its new traffic management initiative. The system forms part of Operation Safe Season, which targets heightened activity during the Independence, Christmas and New Year period.

The new traffic initiative places a heavy emphasis on reducing congestion and enforcing road traffic laws during the peak shopping and tourism period.

Motorcycle police will patrol the main arteries leading into Bridgetown, with a focus on Highways 1, 7 and 3, according to Superintendent Archer. Officers will also increase visibility within the capital.

“So cyclists will patrol those routes into Bridgetown and in Bridgetown itself we will have a number of persons on foot patrol to support the effort of the traffic wardens currently. We believe that the congestion in Bridgetown is caused by persons who are illegally parked.”

Police are now working to identify additional parking areas, improve signage and reduce bottlenecks, he said.

“So we’re trying to have the appropriate discussions so that we can get out, look at the roadways within Bridgetown, determine where we can facilitate parking, where we want to avoid parking, and by all means put in place the appropriate signage and markings to facilitate a free flow of traffic through Bridgetown during this period.”

The traffic management operation will continue into January.

Motorists were urged to exercise patience, comply with the law and be mindful of heavy commercial and recreational traffic.

Superintendent Archer said: “Recognising that it is our Yuletide season, our appeal to motorists would be to be considerate in the use of the roadways. To recognise that persons are going to be traversing the shopping areas, Bridgetown itself. Persons are going to be going to various functions.”

Officials cautioned that illegal parking, as well as half-repaired and derelict vehicles left along major routes, continue to create dangerous obstructions.

He said: “We are going to be concerned about the congestion that may be caused by persons who park on the highways illegally. We are also concerned about a number of vehicles that are on the highway, predominantly for repair purposes, whether it is engine repairs, whether it is bodywork. A number of vehicles are encroaching on the roadways. These can cause congestion.”

Drivers were again reminded to obey instructions. “We will want persons to comply with the various traffic signals and the road signs. We will want persons also to comply with the lawful direction of police officers as they carry out their tasks in managing traffic along the roadway.”

With heightened social activity expected across the island, the senior police officer appealed for responsible conduct as well. “[We are] appealing to motorists not to drink and drive. We recognise that perhaps sometimes as well there is a gathering of vehicles at various locations, gas stations, for the purpose of dragging or racing. Again, we can ask persons to desist to ensure that we have a safe and perhaps accident-free, which is impossible, accident-free season.”

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb