Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 30, 2025 (PMO) –As part of its ongoing efforts to improve road safety and reduce traffic-related fatalities, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has announced a series of duty-free incentives aimed at encouraging safe driving practices. These measures, introduced under the Sustainable Road Safety Project, will make essential safety equipment more affordable and accessible to the public.
Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, speaking in Parliament today, January 30th, 2025, emphasized the importance of these initiatives, particularly in light of the alarming number of road accidents and fatalities recorded in recent years.
“We must take a proactive approach to road safety. While strong laws and enforcement are necessary, we must also ensure that our people have access to the right tools to protect themselves and their families. These duty-free incentives will make it easier for citizens to adopt safe driving habits and, ultimately, save lives.”
The Government has approved duty-free concessions on two key safety items that will contribute to better road safety enforcement and the protection of young passengers:
1. Dash Cams Now Duty-Free:
- To encourage road users to monitor and report reckless driving, dash cameras will now be duty-free for importation. Citizens will be able to install dash cams in their vehicles to record and report dangerous driving behaviors, aiding law enforcement in penalizing reckless drivers. “The Government cannot do it alone—we need the public’s help,” Dr. Drew said. “With this initiative, citizens will be empowered to report unsafe driving and hold reckless drivers accountable.”
2. Child Car Seats Now Duty-Free:
- To ensure the safety of infants and young children, the Government has made child car seats duty-free. Studies have shown that properly secured child car seats significantly reduce the risk of injury or death in an accident. “Too often, we see children riding in vehicles without proper restraints. Making car seats duty-free will remove the financial barrier and encourage more families to prioritize their children’s safety,” Dr. Drew noted.
To reinforce the importance of child passenger safety, failure to use a child car seat will now result in a fine of up to $500. Additionally, the Prime Minister disclosed that a new policy will be implemented at the hospital to ensure parents understand how to properly secure their children in vehicles. Dr. Drew explained that before being discharged, all parents who own a vehicle must demonstrate the correct use of a car seat, adding that dducation on car seat safety will be included as part of postnatal care, alongside guidance on breastfeeding, vaccinations, and general infant care. “Just as new parents are taught how to care for their newborns, they must also learn how to transport them safely. This simple step can save lives.”
These duty-free incentives are part of the broader Sustainable Road Safety Project, which aims to achieve zero road fatalities by 2030. The initiative aligns with global best practices in road safety, ensuring that legislative changes are supported by education, technology, and community engagement.
“We are committed to making our roads safer,” Dr. Drew stated. “By making these critical safety items more accessible and enforcing responsible driving behavior, we are taking another step toward reducing road fatalities and injuries. This is a collective effort, and I encourage every citizen to take responsibility for their safety and the safety of others on the road.”
