By Leandra Rolle

Tribune Staff Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Road Traffic Department will soon use an automated system to inspect vehicles to ensure cars are roadworthy, according to Transport Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis yesterday.

Mrs Coleby-Davis said inspectors will no longer inspect cars manually once the system is up and running.

She said the new inspection regime is a part of her department’s efforts to crack down on the high number of traffic fatalities in the country.

“In support of a stronger vehicle inspection regime,” she said, “the department intends to move from a manual inspection process to an automated system and digital-aided approach that will include testing of brakes, suspension and shock systems, wheel alignment and light intensity.”

“The new inspection regime will not inconvenience or prohibit vehicles from being on the road, rather the process is a new process that will be designed to ensure that our vehicles are safe and they are roadworthy.”

She said the national road safety committee will lead efforts to reduce road deaths.

“Road safety will continue to be a key focus of the department,” she said.

Mrs Coleby-Davis also noted improvements are on the way for the jitney industry.

Regarding the taxi industry, she said increases in taxi fares are on the way.

“It was under the last PLP administration that taxi fares were increased, and it is the PLP again that is raising the fare,” she added. “By the end of September 2023, a code of conduct for all public service drivers and franchise owners will be in place. Breaches to the code will be subject to a hearing and action by the Tribunal. A special app will also be launched very soon for members of the public to provide feedback on drivers.”

Mrs Coleby-Davis spoke about the upcoming reforms during her contribution to the budget debate yesterday.

According to the minister, the road traffic department is projected to earn more than $56m in the 2023/23 budget period.