Deputy Premier Samuel Joseph has directed a review of Montserrat’s speed limits in response to a recent notice from police on intensified enforcement.
He said it is important to evaluate the 20 miles per hour speed limit to ensure it “aligns with both safety needs and practicality”, according to a press release on 21 March.
His comments came after the Royal Montserrat Police Service on 17 March, published a notice warning drivers not to travel over 20mph on Montserrat’s roads.
It stated that it is an offence under the Road Traffic Act to speed, and if found guilty, drivers could receive a fine of $750 or be sent to prison for up to four months.
On 19 March, Paul Lewis, leader of the official opposition, called for the enforcement to be put on hold and for the government to change the traffic legislation.
“Is there some intention to make sure every driver on Montserrat has a police traffic record or even a jail sentence?” he said on the government’s ZJB Radio station.
Dozens of residents also voiced their opposition to the speed limit and enforcement action on social media.
One person called out the “idiot speed limits and extortionate fines”, while another said “the fines and punishments are ridiculous”.
Now the ministry with oversight for road transportation plans to work with various stakeholders to carry out a thorough assessment, the press release said.
“Further details on the review and public consultation will be shared at a later date,” it added.
The ministry urged motorists to drive responsibly in the meantime.
In a response to a query on timing from Montserrat Focus, a government spokesperson said: “The review has not begun yet as we await the return of the traffic commissioner back on island.”
They went on to say that Commissioner of Police Robin Hall is the traffic commissioner, but were unable to say when he will be returning.
The Road Traffic Act states that the speed limit for motor omnibuses, lorries and tractors on any road “within the speed limit area” is 15mph, and for other motor vehicles it is 20mph.
However, it says that the speed limit in all other areas is 25mph for motor omnibuses and lorries, 20mph for tractors and 40mph for all other vehicles.
Montserrat Focus contacted the police service for clarification on the speed laws and is awaiting a response.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was altered at 2.30pm on 22 March, 2024, to add the response from the government spokesperson.
