Daryl Vaz says traffic ticket backlog difficult to clear before October deadline

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has warned that Jamaica faces major practical hurdles in resolving more than one million outstanding traffic tickets before the administrative demerit points system takes effect on October 1.

Speaking at Wednesday's post-Cabinet press briefing, Vaz said approximately 1.1 million traffic tickets remain unsettled. The backlog could leave many motorists exposed to penalties when the new system is introduced.

According to the minister, the authorities must contend with several operational constraints. These include the number of unresolved cases, shortages in judicial and administrative resources, inadequate courtroom space and the legal requirement for traffic cases to be handled within the parish where the alleged offence occurred.

Vaz said a stakeholder group has been formed to identify a workable way of treating with the outstanding matters. He acknowledged that, although the proposed approach may appear sound in principle, completing the required work within the available period would be extremely difficult given existing resources.

Despite those limitations, the minister said the Government would not allow pressure over the backlog to force a delay in implementing the demerit points system.

Work will continue with the judiciary to assess the availability of additional judicial personnel, strengthen administrative support, expand traffic court capacity and extend court sittings where feasible.

The Government is also considering transitional amendments to the law. Vaz said any changes would have to establish a fair, transparent and lawful process for qualifying older cases without weakening the integrity of the Road Traffic Act.

During the briefing, Vaz also announced the appointment of Lieutenant Colonel Sheldon Brian as director general of the Island Traffic Authority. He will oversee the authority's modernisation programme and road safety initiatives.