**BASSETERRE, St. Kitts:** On the evening of January 17, 2025, officers from the Traffic Department, led by Superintendent Bradshaw, Inspector Gordon, and Sergeant Henry, conducted a series of Vehicular Checkpoints (VCPs) at key locations along the Island Main Road. The checkpoints were set up at Johnson Long Path and the F.T. Williams Highway near the Defence Force base. This operation took place between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. and involved a total of 418 vehicles passing through the checkpoints, with 125 vehicles being stopped for inspection.
As a result of this operation, 81 traffic tickets were issued for various offences, including:
– 34 cases of no lights illuminating the rear number plate
– 15 cases of driving at night with one lighted headlamp
– 7 cases of driving at night with no lighted headlamps
– 3 cases of failing to produce a driver’s license immediately
– 6 cases of identification marks not conforming to regulations
– 1 case of driving without a seatbelt (passenger)
– 5 cases of driving with a child without a seatbelt
– 1 case of driving with a child without a child seat
– 6 cases of driving with unauthorized lights
– 1 case of using a defective tyre showing tread
– 1 case of driving with a front windscreen tinted more than ten inches
– 1 case of failing to display a license sticker
Additionally, one individual, Oneal Craig of Greenlands, was arrested for driving without a license and insurance.
The Traffic Department emphasizes the critical role that proper vehicle lighting plays in road safety, especially at night. Functional headlights, rear lights, and number plate lights are essential for visibility, ensuring that other road users can see and react to your vehicle. Driving with insufficient or defective lighting significantly increases the risk of accidents, endangering the lives of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Motorists are encouraged to routinely check their vehicle lights and promptly address any defects.
This operation highlights the Police Force’s commitment to improving road safety and enforcing compliance with traffic regulations. The public is reminded to adhere to all road safety laws and ensure that their vehicles meet the legal requirements for safe operation.