Rolling hills. Beautiful beaches. Delicious cocktails.
Tortola is known for many positive attributes, but law-abiding drivers and well-maintained vehicles are not among them.
Police Commissioner Michael Matthews and Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Kye Rymer, however, are hoping that might change.
At a public meeting about traffic issues held at the East End/Long Look Community Centre last Thursday evening, the two men explained that the police force and the DMV have joined forces to promote a Road Safety Public Education Campaign.
“We want to do as much as we can to educate the public [about road safety],” remarked Mr. Rymer.
Police have circulated booklets explaining the rules of the road throughout the territory, and a month-long traffic amnesty period took effect on July 1.
During the amnesty month, Mr. Matthews explained, officers who witnessed traffic violations were permitted to issue warnings instead of fines, and to explain to the offenders why it is important to follow the law.
“Come the first of August, all bets are off,” the commissioner added, stating that drivers who continue to disrespect the rules of the road will ultimately answer to the law. “August will be enforcement time.”
Mr. Matthews said some of the most common driving offences in the territory include driving without a seat belt; driving a vehicle with tinted windows; operating a truck while passenger are standing in the back; and driving a scooter without a helmet.
“We’re really just trying to reduce [these offences] as much as possible to make the roads safer,” he remarked.
Mr. Rymer added that the DMV is encouraging everyone to obtain a Virgin Islands driver’s licence, and said the department is trying to make the process “as easy as possible.”
At the end of the meeting, Messrs. Matthews and Rymer urged the crowd to learn more about traffic safety, and to encourage their friends and family members to do the same.
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