SSP Diaries | Cessation of ticketing for running lights a logical decision

RECENTLY THE commissioner of police made a most welcome and logical public announcement, namely the cessation of ticketing motorists for running lights that are permanently on, day or night.

An increasing number of motor vehicles over the last three or more decades have had this as a built-in feature coming from the manufacturer. I seem to recall that the practice might have started with Volvo motor cars, having read somewhere that its inception was revolutionary in the industry as it served to significantly reduce accidents in northern countries that do not have much daylight time per day.

My own vehicle has this feature, and I found it rather surprising recently that the police had started ticketing people for something they have no control over. It seemed ridiculous to me as in my mind if such vehicles contravened our road traffic laws, why were they being legally imported in the first place?

The commissioner in his statement pointed out that the law needs to be changed to be abreast of developments in the motor vehicle industry, and I am hoping that our lawmakers will move with alacrity to address this one. I also hope that there will be consideration for the reversal of convictions/fines, as appropriate for those that have been inconvenienced prior to this matter being paused.

TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST INCREASING TEMPERATURES

This summer promises to be a blistering one. The trend has been evident from as far back as the unusual temperatures we started to experience in February of this year. In May, a traditional rainy month, we were yet to experience any appreciable rainfall in most parts of the island. The summer months, June, July and August are likely to be even hotter than the same period last year. It also means that the chances of a hurricane(s) striking Jamaica is going to be more likely than not. I am urging business places to consider rehydration points for the elderly, in particular, most of whom must brave the heat on public transportation to conduct their business. At the same time, I urge the elderly, as well as everyone else, to exercise due care and attention, keeping themselves always hydrated.

Preparations for the hurricane season these days must be a constant endeavour. Although there are defined seasons, climate change has taught us that these features can now occur at any time in a calendar year. This is our reality, and we can only prepare properly by being constantly aware of the threat and taking appropriate timely precautions. So, wait no more for June to come, be consistent in actions throughout the year.

Water conservation is a key factor as drought threatens. Use this precious resource wisely, fix burst pipes immediately, obey the restrictions when imposed, channel grey water to water lawns, plants, etc., and remember you are not at the beach when taking a bath/shower! Air condition systems need not run 24/7, especially in business places. Devise and implement workable plans to conserve at home and at work.

LOUD MUSIC

I thought that this was something of the past in our public transportation system and privately owned vehicles. In recent weeks there has been a reemergence of loud, deafening music some of which are accompanied by inappropriate lyrics, coming from vehicles in the public space. I was happy to witness a policeman on a motorcycle pull over a Coaster bus in Half-Way Tree recently for the same offence.

Whereas this is commendable, I also witnessed policemen merely watching offending vehicles drive by without taking any form of action whatsoever. This was mainly witnessed in rural areas. These vehicles are accidents waiting to happen. Their drivers cannot hear what’s happening around them, they are often so engrossed in the noise being played that they do not exercise due care and attention when driving.

The noise factor also has a negative effect upon people using the roadways as their hearing is also impaired in an environment where the average Coaster and minibus, plus the taxis are already threats to life by virtue of how they manoeuvre on our roads.

I think this is the next area that the police need to pay attention to before things get out of control. We citizens have a part to play to get a better service out of our public transportation system. Do not patronise those that break the law. The sooner we are united in such an effort, the better and safer things will be for all road users.

A RISING AFRICA

I have been reading about developments in Africa and note the trend of nations, especially those in the West, rise peacefully against their former colonisers to achieve true self-governance and chart their own destiny.

Mali, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, Namibia come to mind and the efforts their new governments are making to improve the lot of their people. One wonders why it has taken so long to realise that even though slavery ended centuries ago, the effect of their colonisers in determining their future, did not change the status quo.

This repulsion has not only impacted the French but also other European countries and North America. There is a steady movement away from the colonial/capitalist/imperialist controlling mechanisms to nationalisation of key infrastructures and industries.

It would appear also that being mindful of their experiences under those entities over long periods of time, and the imperious nature of the US administration, they have opted to move away completely from traditional manipulators and are now embracing China, Russia and India in serious trading and development relationships. On the surface these moves are indeed justified but our African brothers must ensure that they do not repeat the mistakes made in their previous relationships with the West.

In the new dispensation, they must ensure they are recognised as equals and treated accordingly. They must develop and display transparency, integrity and humanity and treat appropriately, corruption and injustice. Their efforts must be clearly seen to focus on developing a better life for their people and humanity in general. The eyes of the world are watching.

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