Tackling reviews 2015 traffic-law proposal as road reforms are considered

Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling told Parliament that St. Maarten’s Road Traffic Ordinance needs modernisation and that a proposal dating to 2015 is being examined, according to The People's Tribune. The newspaper reported that Justice and TEATT are considering reforms on impaired driving, hit-and-run cases, speed enforcement, mobile-phone use and newer forms of transport.

Tackling said a company involved with the earlier initiative put the cost at about Cg 352,800 for work on a new Road Traffic Ordinance and initial development of a proposed Mobility Authority under TEATT. She said the Ministry of Justice is reviewing whether the company was formally engaged, what work was authorised and whether there is a legal basis to pay the amount.

According to The People's Tribune, Tackling said Justice and TEATT had discussed forming a working group, particularly following a motion introduced by MP Franklin Meyers during the budget debate. She identified possible rules on phone use while driving, speed cameras, citations linked to vehicle registration numbers, breathalyser testing, blood-alcohol limits and penalties.

The minister also listed stronger rules for leaving an accident scene, dangerous driving and overtaking, as well as regulation for motorcycles, scooters, trikes, ATVs, electric vehicles, bicycles and kick scooters. She said this could cover age limits, maximum speeds, road access, helmet standards, modified exhausts and police authority to confiscate illegal motorcycle equipment where permitted by law.