Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Hon. Dr. Horace Chang says the National Helmet Wearing Coalition Project aligns perfectly with the Government’s agenda to prioritise road safety and public order.
He made the remark while delivering the main address at the launch of the National Helmet Wearing Coalition Project held at the AC Hotel by Marriott in Kingston earlier today (March 21).
Minister Chang stated that “the Government has invested in resources and efforts to enforce road safety laws more efficiently and effectively” however, “law enforcement alone cannot achieve our objectives.”
He emphasised that through increased collaboration between government agencies, law enforcement bodies, community organisations and the public “we can develop and implement effective and creative measures and initiatives that will make our roads safer for everyone”.
The Security Minister highlighted that the implementation of the new electronic Ticketing Management System is an efficient and effective measure to enforce the laws under the Road Safety Act.
Minister Chang emphasised that “motorcycle related issues must be addressed as a crucial component of our country’s overall strategy to improve public order and save lives”.
“It is therefore imperative that we take proactive measures to mitigate risks posed by irresponsible behaviour on our roads,” he stated.
He added that “there is no doubt that the new ticketing system will play a crucial role in bringing about desired behavioural change on our roads, as the system begins to hold offending motorists more accountable and they face the consequences of their actions”.
The Government’s Vision 2030 Plan emphasises the importance of executing a strategy to promote road safety, reduce deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents and help to meet sustainable transport needs. The prevalence of dangerous incidents on the nation’s roads, particularly those involving motorcycles, highlights the urgency of this mission.
The National Helmet Wearing Coalition Project is a three-year project established through an agreement with the National Road Safety Council, Jamaica National Foundation and FIA Foundation and is supported by the Ministry of National Security.
The coalition is tasked with the implementation of an action plan aimed at nurturing a culture of safety among motorcyclists, encouraging helmet wearing and advocating for a regulatory environment which embraces motorcycle safety.
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