Govt yields 1.4 million in speed fines
By Nalinee Seelal Monday, July 11 2016
Errant motorists who found themselves at the wrong side of the law by flouting the maximum speed limit on the nation’s highways from the period May 5 to date, have had to fork out $1.4 million in fines.
Of the four regions where speed traps were carried out, the Southern Division, particularly in Debe, registered the largest quantum of fines.
Newsday understands that senior Highway, Traffic, and Highway Patrol officers have recommended that the monies earned in fines, which would have gone to the Consolidated Fund, be used to purchase additional speed guns.
There are currently six speed guns being used by specially trained officers throughout the country, however, to cover additional areas including Tobago requires more speed guns.
The average cost of one speed guns is $65,000.
Newsday understands that since only a certain number of officers are trained in the use of the speed guns, when some of them are off-duty, this results in speed traps not being carried out.
Senior police officers said yesterday that although additional training is taking place they are yet to receive word from Minister of Works and Transport Fitzgerald Hinds on whether their proposal to purchase additional speed gun with the fines earned is being considered by the government.
According to officers there is only so much six speed guns can do and if members of the public do not see any speed traps taking place, it is not the fault of the Police Highway and Traffic Branch.
Newsday understands that when speed guns are used it requires the use of two vehicles at two locations and sometimes there are many challenges with respect to vehicle resources. Officers pointed out that while they are happy that Government has provided at least six speed guns, more guns are needed to cover the entire country, including Tobago.
Officers also admitted that sometimes the speed guns may malfunction and therefore additional guns are needed.
With respect to concerns by members of the public that they do not see speed traps taking place in the night, officers added that the public will see more officers out when more speed guns are purchased.
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