Traffic
Deadline for restricting large trucks in downtown San Pedro approaching
At the end of April, large trucks and container vehicles will be restricted from passing through downtown San Pedro. Residents are looking forward to this change, as it is expected to reduce traffic congestion and enhance safety for pedestrians and students in the town's core area.
Community and Society
Golf cart rentals banned from soliciting at San Pedro Ports of Entry
In San Pedro Town, a significant regulatory change has been implemented regarding golf carts at ports of entry. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has officially banned golf carts from soliciting customers at these locations to address ongoing tensions between taxi operators and golf cart rental businesses.
Accidents & Disasters
PM Proposes Non-Bailable Offense for Drunk Driving Amid Rising Traffic Accidents
The Prime Minister of Belize, Honorable John Briceño, has proposed significant changes to the legal framework regarding drunk driving, suggesting that it be classified as a non-bailable offense. This initiative arises from increasing concerns about the alarming rise in traffic accidents associated with alcohol consumption, particularly in tourist-heavy areas such as San Pedro Town.
Community and Society
San Pedro Town Council to Implement No Parking Zones
The San Pedro Town Council has proposed designating Caribeña Street and a section of Laguna Drive near the high school as no-parking zones. This proposal may raise significant concerns among residents and businesses. One of the primary issues is traffic congestion, which will likely worsen as vehicles circle the area in search of parking, especially during peak school hours when parents are dropping off or picking up students.
Traffic
San Pedro Town Council enforces vehicle window tint regulations
The San Pedro Town Council has begun strict enforcement of vehicle tint regulations, requiring a minimum of 50% Visible Light Transmission (VLT) for front windows and windshields. This measure aims to enhance safety and visibility for all road users, particularly taxi drivers, who have raised concerns about security risks linked to excessive window tinting.
Community and Society
SPTC issues moratorium for golf cart rental trade licenses and importation of six-seaters, taxis, and large vehicles
The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is actively seeking solutions to better manage traffic congestion and monitor the number of vehicles on the island. As a result, the SPTC's Trade License Board announced on Wednesday, October 23rd, that it will no longer accept trade license applications for new golf cart rentals or dealerships. Additionally, the Ambergris Caye Traffic Control Committee (ACTCC) has halted applications for importing new golf carts intended for rentals, taxis, larger vehicles, and, to some extent, six-seater golf carts.
Community and Society
SPTC to implement new regulation to restrict large trucks and containers in downtown next year
The ongoing traffic congestion in San Pedro Town is expected to significantly decrease by April 2025, when large trucks (such as dump and sand trucks) and container vehicles will no longer be allowed in the downtown area. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) made this announcement regarding traffic management on the island on Tuesday, October 22nd. They clarified that trucks transporting fill material must avoid downtown—from the southern gas station to the Boca del Rio Bridge—and instead transport their cargo via designated barge routes.
Community and Society
Moving crew disrupts traffic and causes power outage on Seagrape Drive while transporting a house
On Wednesday, October 2nd, a hazardous and disruptive situation unfolded on Seagrape Drive south of San Pedro Town. Motorists, pedestrians, and residents were unexpectedly confronted with a house being transported along the busy road. The incident disrupted traffic and caused a brief power outage when nearby power lines were damaged. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) clarified that they did not grant permission for the transportation of the house, and the person responsible will be served with fines.
Community and Society
Cabinet to discuss policy to restrict large trucks in downtown San Pedro
The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) continues working on a solution restricting the use of large sand/dump/delivery trucks in the downtown area. Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez said the Ministry of Transport has discussed this matter, and his team has recommended that these large vehicles be either barged or downsized. As a result, the Ministry of Transport is reportedly preparing a paper to submit to the Cabinet with recommendations from the SPTC.
Community and Society
No update on restricting large trucks in downtown San Pedro
In late July of this year, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) discussed a new policy to restrict large sand/dump trucks in the downtown area. Mayor Gualberto 'Wally' Nuñez mentioned a new regulation requiring these large vehicles, mainly transport construction material, to be barged. The new policy also restricted trailers over 20 feet long. However, no further updates on this regulation have been shared while these large trucks continue to drive through the town core, which is seemingly unregulated.
Community and Society
SPTC working to restrict large trucks and trailers from downtown San Pedro
The issue of large trucks in downtown San Pedro Town may soon be resolved through a policy developed by the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC). If successful, this policy will prohibit large sand/dump trucks from traveling through downtown and require them to be transported by barge. Additionally, no trailers over 20 feet long will be permitted in the town core area. The SPTC aims to proceed with these plans following discussions with their administration in the coming week.
