Demo plates dilemma

THE EDITOR, Madam:

There seems to be a war brewing between the Government and the Jamaica Used Car Dealers Association over the seeming widespread misuse of vehicle demonstration licence plates, with the Government seriously considering an overhaul of that system. I am (however) very surprised that Tax Administration Jamaica doesn’t have an accurate count of demonstration plates currently in circulation in the public space. This is according to Transport Minister Daryl Vaz. I find this extremely disappointing, ... and careless on the Government’s part.

Currently the law requires that demonstration licence plates are issued to new car dealers as well as used car marts to; facilitate the movement of vehicles from the wharf, showcase vehicles to customers, and for promotional purposes such as automobile shows.

But I have seen vehicles bearing demonstration plates used to drop off and pick up children at schools, on grocery shopping (errands) etc. Vehicles bearing demonstration plates are often seen at parties and round-robins at weekends, and are sometimes involved in the numerous car crashes on our nation’s roadways.

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz and president of the Jamaica Used Car Dealers Association Lynvalle Hamilton need to work together to resolve this huge problem, quickly. There is indeed widespread evidence if one carefully observes what is happening on the streets daily.

WESLEY THOMAS