Road safety advocates support speed limit increase

Sharon Inglefield, head of Arrive Alive. FILE PHOTO
Sharon Inglefield, head of Arrive Alive. FILE PHOTO

Two road safety groups are expressing their support of a recent Cabinet decision to increase the speed limit on some highways from 80 km/h to 100 km/h.

Newsday spoke with president of Arrive Alive Sharon Inglefield who said, while she did not object to the decision, she believes increased safety mechanisms such as proper signs, lighting and road markings are necessary to treat with possible road traffic accidents which may arise.

“We are supportive of the speed limit being increased on certain sections of the highway, but this must be subject to the condition of the road network and its infrastructure. That is, good lighting, good signage, good markings, excellent road surface, coupled with a consistent and effective road maintenance programme.”

Inglefield also said a revamp of the current licensing system was necessary in order to ensure motorists are well trained to deal with increasing risks and dangers from the increase.

“Too many of our drivers are still displaying reckless behaviour and too many of our young men are leaving parents and grandparents behind to grieve due to their loss.”

Newsday also spoke with Stan Huggins, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Road Safety Council who said while he was supportive of the decision, he believed effective policing and licensing policies are necessary to prevent road carnage. He said policing is woefully inadequate and called on the relevant authorities to increase police presence on the roads.

“In addition to an increase in the visibility of police, we also need the Licensing Office to conduct a thorough inspection of some of these driving schools and ensure they are properly certified. It cannot be that all it takes for you to become a driving instructor is the holder of a driver’s permit for three years. That is not enough, especially as there is an increase in the speed limit.”

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