Drive at 100 km/h and no more

As of yesterday, drivers were able to drive as fast as 100 kilometers per hour on five highways as months of discussion among stakeholders ended in the approval of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2017, according to a release issued by the Ministry of Works and Transport yesterday.

The release said the new 100 km/h speed limit will be in effect in the following areas:

•Beetham Highway from 1.53 km mark at Market Overpass (east) near the Central Market/ NP to 4.81 km mark at Barataria Overpass;

•Churchill Roosevelt Highway from 4.81 km mark at Barataria Overpass to 34.8 km mark at Antigua Road, Cumuto;

•Uriah Butler Highway from 2.75 km mark at Bamboo Village Overpass to 15.65 km mark at Chaguanas Overpass;

•Solomon Hochoy Highway from 15.65 km mark at Chaguanas Main Road to 45.35 km mark at Golconda Exit;

•Solomon Hochoy Highway from 45.35 km mark at Golconda Exit to 49.64 km mark at Debe Exit.

The release also advised that for tractors the speed limit would remain as 20 kilometers per hour in built-up areas and 35 kilometers per hour on all major highways, while maxi taxis, buses, vans, trucks and private cars with trailers would be required to travel at 65 kilometers per hour outside a built-up area and 50 kilometers per hour within a built up area.

The ministry said it intends to erect new signs to reflect the changes and is partnering closely with the police to ensure a robust enforcement of the new regulations.