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.
Government
Launch of the E-Bus Service and Charging Depot of the E-Mobility Pilot Project
July 19, 2024 marks a significant milestone for the residents of Belize City as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics, and E-Governance (MPUELE), the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Transport through the Department of Transport (DoT), and the Belize City Council (BCC) with funding support from the European Union (EU), launched the e-bus service and charging depot of the E-Mobility Pilot Project.
Traffic
Letter to the Editor: Repeat visitor concerned over traffic
"The complication of the semi-trucks in a constant parade must be so hard on the locals, and businesses as well as the well-being of the community. It was shocking to return and experience this, as we like to spend time downtown visiting the shops and restaurants."
Local News
Mayor discusses solutions for heavy vehicles and traffic on the island
San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, the fastest-growing municipality in Belize, is grappling with a critical issue - traffic congestion and the flow of large vehicles through its downtown area. Mayor Gualberto' Wally' Nuñez has stressed the situation's urgency, affirming that his administration is actively working towards solutions to this longstanding concern and ensuring all residents' safety.
Traffic
Minimal solutions to traffic congestion in San Pedro; authorities asked to do more
As San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye continues to develop rapidly, the central issue of traffic congestion continues without a proper solution. Many stakeholders on the island have expressed their concerns about this issue, stating that it is out of control and detracting from the appeal that attracts tourists to Ambergris Caye. Although local authorities have been asked for solutions, their responses have not reassured many islanders.
Traffic
Higher fines for golf carts or other vehicles brought to the island without permits
The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is cracking down on vehicular importation to the island without the required clearance or permits. This has led to dozens of golf carts being removed from the island after owners failed to produce the necessary permits. Failure to adhere to this regulation may result in a fine, which, as per a recent resolution passed, increased from $100 to $2,500 per violation, and the illegal vehicle will be removed from the island.
