Antigua and Barbuda Spending US$30,000 on New Traffic Enforcement Equipment
The Antigua and Barbuda government has approved US$30,000 to purchase new traffic enforcement equipment as police prepare to intensify action against illegal vehicle tint, speeding and intoxicated driving.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant announced the Cabinet decision during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing.
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda will receive 25 tint meters, 25 professional breathalyzers and 12 handheld radar devices.
Cabinet approved the expenditure following a recommendation from Attorney General and Public Safety Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin. The equipment is intended to strengthen the capacity of the Police Traffic Department to enforce the country’s traffic laws and improve road safety.
The decision follows an instruction issued by Cabinet last week for police to launch a campaign against illegal vehicle tint. Officers were directed to remove illegal tint immediately when it is detected on a vehicle.
Cabinet was advised that the new equipment is necessary because of concerns about the number of traffic accidents and the continuing role of excessive speed and intoxicated driving in serious road collisions.
Police have also raised concerns about the widespread use of excessively dark tint on vehicles. The tint can obstruct officers’ ability to see inside vehicles and create challenges for law enforcement personnel while carrying out their duties.
The 25 tint meters will allow police officers to objectively measure vehicle windows and determine whether they comply with the level of tint permitted under Antigua and Barbuda’s laws.
The professional breathalyzers will strengthen the police force’s ability to test motorists suspected of driving while intoxicated.
Meanwhile, the handheld radar devices will assist traffic officers in detecting motorists travelling above established speed limits.
The acquisition forms part of the Antigua and Barbuda government’s effort to improve traffic enforcement and address dangerous behaviour on the country’s roads.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda Spending US$30,000 on Tint Meters, Breathalyzers and Speed Radars.