The Inter-ministerial Sustainable Road Safety Project (SRSP) Committee is urging immediate measures to tackle the rising number of vehicular accidents in St. Kitts. With several tragic fatalities, including a four-month-old baby, in recent months, the committee, chaired by Attorney General Garth Wilkin, has outlined a series of targeted actions aimed at reducing traffic incidents and saving lives.
Addressing the Parliament at the close of 2024, Attorney General Wilkin revealed startling statistics which indicated that between 2019 and 2023, St. Kitts recorded 6,526 traffic accidents—an average of 1,300 annually within St. Kitts’ modest 68 square miles. These alarming figures have prompted the SRSP to push for enhanced road safety measures and infrastructure improvements.
Key Measures Proposed by the SRSP
The SRSP Committee has identified four priority actions to address traffic-related dangers:
- Strategic Installation of Speed Bumps
Speed bumps will be placed in high-risk areas prone to speeding, discouraging reckless driving and reducing vehicle speeds in these zones. - Legislation for Automatic Ticketing Systems
Legislative amendments are proposed to allow the deployment of automatic ticketing systems in high-speed corridors and at traffic lights. These systems will ensure offenders face penalties for speeding and red-light violations. - Stiffer Penalties for Traffic Offences
The SRSP has recommended harsher penalties for speeding and reckless driving. These include introducing demerit point systems and license suspensions for repeat offenders or severe violations. - Enhanced Road Markings and Signage
Upgraded road markings and clearer signage, particularly at roundabouts, aim to guide drivers and minimise collisions at intersections often considered confusing.
Long-Term Vision for Road Safety
The SRSP’s overarching goal is to reduce road fatalities to zero by 2030 through sustainable, data-driven strategies and public engagement. Motorists and pedestrians are urged to observe traffic laws and exercise caution on the roads.
“Drivers must refrain from operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs and stay vigilant to safeguard their own lives and those of others,” emphasised the SRSP.
Additionally, the public is reminded of the legal requirement to secure every child under three feet tall in an appropriate child seat in the rear of vehicles.
The committee has extended heartfelt condolences to the families affected by recent road tragedies and reaffirmed its commitment to creating safer roads for all. It has also invited public feedback, encouraging citizens to share road safety concerns and recommendations via email at roadsafety@gov.kn.
The SRSP’s initiative has sparked lively public discussions on social media, with many advocating for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations.
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