The San Pedro Traffic Department took part in a two-day training program on Traffic Safety that was held on Wednesday May 2nd and Thursday May 3, 2012 from 8am through 3pm. This training was held in keeping with the Department of Transport’s Mission, which is a commitment in developing, promoting and regulating a viable and modern transportation sector through efficient traffic management, human resource development and community participation in order to achieve the highest attainable level of public safety.
The training was spearheaded by councilor responsible for Traffic, Mr. Kenrick Brackett and facilitated by Officer in Charge of the San Pedro Police Department, ASP Vienie Robinson. It focused on the main responsibilities of the Traffic Wardens as well as the law as it pertains to driving in Belize.
Brackett commented, “I don’t believe these traffic wardens have had much training, and then we have two new ones and one volunteer. We believe this training will bear a lot of fruits. No more excuses. People will be ticketed. I believe that we have given a lot of warnings already.”
The wardens were trained on the specific functions which are to direct the flow of traffic, to enforce the parking regulations, the enforcement of the traffic violation system and how to investigate and prosecute traffic accidents, especially when it comes to Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
Officers from the San Pedro Police Department also joined in the training. ASP Robinson spoke of the training and the department’s participation, “This workshop is to provide the department of transport personnel with the skills and knowledge that will assist them to be able to perform their duties as traffic wardens. It is mainly to assist the traffic department. We are looking at their role as traffic wardens. We are looking at what goes on at the vehicle check points. We are looking at this whole issue of the traffic violation ticket. We are looking at how to give evidence in court and that type of thing.” The training served as a refresher course for the police officers who took part.
Brackett further commented on driving in San Pedro, “We know that a lot of people drive under the influence, so we want to get more control on that. We are trying to prevent traffic accidents as much as possible. I’ve noticed that a lot of drivers don’t obey the law. We will continue to be informing the public as to what we’re doing especially in regards to the traffic laws, and then if you violate the law then we will have to ticket you. We want to get the town to a level where they understand; what a pedestrian crossing is; what to do when you meet a pedestrian crossing. I am very concerned about the schools now and the level and flow of traffic in those areas.”
The committee has also embarked on a new speed bump system. Presently there are four of them in place; two at the primary school along Tarpon St. and two by the San Pedro High School. These traffic bumps were placed on a trial basis. Brackett is encouraging feed back from the general public as to how these bumps are working. If they prove successful, they will be used across the island to prevent speeding and provide for safer streets for our pedestrians, children and drivers.
