The Honourable Garth Wilkin, Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs
Basseterre, St. Kitts –
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.
A New Era for Road Safety
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.
Key Provisions of the Bill
- Enhanced traffic monitoring, including automatic ticketing systems that use speed cameras and red-light cameras to ensure stricter enforcement of road safety laws.
- Increased penalties for reckless driving, with stiffer fines and punishments for dangerous driving offenses such as speeding and mobile phone use while driving.
- 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.
A Call to Action
“The statistics are alarming, and we must take urgent action to change the culture of driving in our country,” the Attorney General emphasized. “This legislation, along with the work of the Sustainable Road Safety Project, will significantly reduce road traffic incidents and save lives.”
Conclusion
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.
FAQs
- What is the goal of the Sustainable Road Safety Project? The goal is to enhance road safety through comprehensive data analysis, public engagement, and the implementation of sustainable measures to create a nation where road safety is paramount.
- What are the key provisions of the Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2025? The Bill introduces enhanced traffic monitoring, increased penalties for reckless driving, mandatory use of seatbelts and child safety seats, and strategic infrastructure improvements.
- What is the target date for achieving zero road fatalities in St. Kitts and Nevis? The goal is to achieve zero road fatalities by 2030.