Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 30, 2025 (SKNIS): The Honourable Garth Wilkin, Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, presented on the Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the National Assembly on Thursday, January 30, which was successfully passed, underscoring the government’s commitment to road safety and accident reduction in St. Kitts and Nevis.
The Bill, which forms part of the broader Sustainable Road Safety Project, introduces key measures aimed at enhancing traffic regulations, reducing reckless driving, and promoting safer road usage.
Attorney General Wilkin provided an in-depth overview of the work done by the Inter-Ministerial Sustainable Road Safety Committee, which he chairs. The committee, established in October 2024, has undertaken extensive data collection and public consultations to develop policies that will contribute to achieving the ambitious goal of zero road fatalities by 2030.
“The mission of this project is to enhance road safety through comprehensive data analysis, public engagement, and the implementation of sustainable measures. Our vision is to create a nation where road safety is paramount, traffic laws are respected, and infrastructure supports safe and efficient travel for all road users,” the Attorney General stated.
The Bill introduces enhanced traffic monitoring, including automatic ticketing systems that use speed cameras and red-light cameras to ensure stricter enforcement of road safety laws. It also imposes increased penalties for reckless driving, with stiffer fines and punishments for dangerous driving offences such as speeding and mobile phone use while driving. Additionally, the Bill enforces the mandatory use of seatbelts and child safety seats, with penalties for non-compliance. Strategic infrastructure improvements, including the installation of speed bumps and improved signage at high-risk areas such as Johnson Long Path, Kim Collins Highway, and major roundabouts, form another critical component of the legislation.
Furthermore, the Bill prioritises community engagement and public education through road safety awareness campaigns involving local influencers and public service announcements to encourage compliance with traffic laws. During his presentation, Attorney General Wilkin highlighted troubling accident data, revealing that between 2020 and 2024, there were 8,569 reported accidents in St. Kitts and Nevis, including 31 fatal accidents resulting in 36 deaths. Notably, major accident-prone areas such as Basseterre, Old Road, and the Kim Collins Highway have been identified as key targets for intervention.
The government is also working with private sector partners, including insurance companies, to improve road infrastructure and traffic management. Additionally, the implementation of a dashcam reporting and reward system is expected to encourage community participation in holding reckless drivers accountable.
“The statistics are alarming, and we must take urgent action to change the culture of driving in our country,” the Attorney General emphasised. “This legislation, along with the work of the Sustainable Road Safety Project, will significantly reduce road traffic incidents and save lives.”
The Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2025, received strong bipartisan support as the government pushes forward with its comprehensive plan to make the nation’s roads safer for all.
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