Key processes remain incomplete for implementation of demerit system—Vaz

KINGSTON, Jamaica—Transport Minister Daryl Vaz says although the demerit points provisions under the Road Traffic Act and its regulations are in force, the Island Traffic Authority's (ITA) administrative and business processes remain incomplete to facilitate the assignment of points and the suspension or revocation of licences following court decisions. The minister said discrepancies in the data from the traffic management system across the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the judiciary, and the ITA, coupled with the backlog of traffic tickets awaiting adjudication, continue to impede full implementation. The Transport Authority in August had announced a delay in the October 1 implementation of the demerit point system until a full revision is completed. The revision is expected to incorporate recommendations from the committee, as well as the rollout of an education programme. “The agreed delay will allow for the completion of the required processes, correction of data, inconsistencies and determination of the necessary legislative remedy to reset existing demerit points, ensuring at all times that there is fairness, equitableness, transparency, collaboration and effective implementation of the system,” Vaz said. The minister reiterated that there will be a zero-tolerance approach for traffic violators once the implementation of the system is complete.