Twelve omnibus drivers and two conductors were charged for transporting excess passengers during the inter school athletics meets last month.
This is according to superintendent of Police and head of the Traffic Department, within the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force – Kenneth John who stated in a release yesterday, that the charges were laid following Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force Traffic Department’s crack down on the reckless and dangerous driving and loud music during the Inter Primary, Secondary and College School Games, held March 27th to 29th at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex.
Superintendent John said the 94 reports made by the Traffic Department included a minibus licensed to transport 18 passengers carried 28 passengers. John said some drivers were issued as much as 7 tickets each for reckless driving and loud unamplified music without the approval of the Commissioner of Police, contrary to regulation 31 of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, Regulation 483 of the Revised Edition of the Laws of SVG.
The superintendant said (6) omnibus drivers were also charged with dangerous and reckless driving with one (1) driver being charged twice for the same offence. All six (6) drivers’ licenses were suspended by the Commissioner of Police pending the outcome of the charges.
Superintendant John stated that the Traffic department strategically deployed traffic officers during the three (3) days of competition in order to regulate the traffic, ensure safety and make sure that the traffic laws were being upheld.
He commended motorists and commuters for their support to the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force and by extension to the traffic department and urged the general public to continue to abide with the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act Regulations.
He advises motorist to cooperate and to always exercise caution and care while driving on our nation’s roads.
