NEW ROAD TRAFFIC BILL PASSED IN LOWER HOUSE

The new Road Traffic Bill is now one step closer to becoming Law. Transport and Mining Minister, Lester ‘Mike’ Henry closed the debate on the New Road Traffic Bill 2016 in the Lower House of Parliament on Tuesday (February 6, 2018) and it was passed with 131 amendments.

The new Road Traffic Bill will replace the current Road Traffic Act of 1938, sections of which have become outdated due to the technological developments in motor vehicle and road designs. The Bill which was tabled on September 9, 2016, was voted on unanimously.

It will now go to the Senate where it is anticipated that its passage will receive the same level of bi-partisan support that was received in the lower house on Tuesday. Following its passage in the Senate, it will then to the Governor General for accent following which it will be gazzetted and passed into law.

The new Road Traffic Bill 2016 started in 2004 and has been across successive governments. It has been widely anticipated by many stakeholders who are anxious for its implementation and enforcement.

The Transport Minister has issued a stern warning to motorists to change their behavior in the traffic environment to reflect a deeper understanding of the responsibility of their own safety and that of other road users. He says every effort will be made to work closely with the police for a zero tolerance approach to any breach of the road code under the new Act.

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