There have been many cries, complaints and concerns expressed by motorists who believe the new Road Traffic Act is aimed at tearing as much revenue from the pockets of drivers. It is fair to say the ticketing system is always going to be about generating revenue, but the bigger part of avoiding having to break the law and pay one should be considered. Frankly speaking, any government of Jamaica aware of the way we are as a people can almost close its eyes and know we are likely to always fill the required coffers with indiscipline on our roads.
In the midst of all the quarrels on the matter, we refuse to accept that the best way to starve the government of enjoying the fruits of their labour is to significantly reduce any opportunity for the constable to issue a ticket. However, that is a very big ask of the average Jamaican driver who will always have a reason to break the law and seek to justify it by explaining the asinine construct of the law. We expect the constable to understand and agree that driving at 130MPH in a 30KPH zone while school is out is quite reasonable given the rush of our personal vocations and the need to return to office on time.
We expect him to understand that carrying a mountain of gravel in the back of a pickup truck without even a semblance of a cover should be acceptable. After all, remember now, “everybody haffi eat a food” but at that point, the constable is also guilty of fighting against poor people who can do no better. Really? So the poor must be used as scapegoats to not only justify breaking the law, but claiming it means they can do no better because of being…poor? That is an injustice and blatant disrespect to use them as a crutch for being reckless.
I realise that in recent times I have not heard as many motorcycles with exceptionally loud mufflers ever since the new RTA came into effect. It is fair to say that if bike riders in Jamaica are taking the warning and the cue to cease and desist, there is even hope for robot taxi drivers and minibus operators.
I am well aware of the overzealous nature of some police officers who might want to finish every ticket book issued in a day while showing little or no compassion to even the most evident case worthy of understanding. However, isn’t it much easier to decide that a zero approach at getting a ticket is better than being fed up with the amount collected and the subsequently substantial sums that will be attached?
Yes, life is not perfect and there just might be that one occasion when you get a ticket, but it might be better to pay it in a month than be sitting to figure out how to pay 300 of them all at one time. Less trouble, less tickets, less money to pay. Simple.
