G.O.B. considers raising speed limit

Since the neon green traffic signs were erected along the Northern Highway in early June, the Traffic Department has been out conducting sporadic road checks and issuing warning tickets to drivers who have not been adhering to the speed limits. Motorists who use the stretch of highway from the entrance of the city to Haulover Bridge, however, have expressed their dissatisfaction with the speed limits saying they are more of a hindrance than help. Today we asked CITCO public relations officer, Paco Smith for an update on the enforcement of the speed limit and it seems that drivers may just have their wish come true.

Paco Smith, P.R. Officer, Belize City Council

“The way by which the Belize City Council has been addressing the situation is through the advent of monitoring the situation coupled with that of enforcement. The enforcement is tied to the amount of people power that we have. We have been out, not necessarily on the Northern Highway specifically, but from time to time I know you have seen that we have had roadblocks and what have you in town and along the highways. Enforcement is an aspect that is coming to fruition, but it is something depending upon how much people power that we have. “

Jacqueline Woods

“Let’s look at the speed limits because many drivers have been opposed to them. Buses and trucks travel at fifteen miles per hour, while all other vehicles travel at twenty-five, will these speed limits be increased?”

Paco Smith

“As it stands right now the speed limits will remain as they are because it is part of the law and specifically it derives from Statutory Instrument number forty-eight of 1979, that is why we have the speed limits the way they are right now. In consultation with the legal counsel for the Belize City Council, I have been made abreast that the governments’ legal draftsman is in the process of drafting an order which may actually result in the traffic speed limits being increased.”

Smith would not say what are the new speed limits being considered and just how long it will take for the order to be completed. In the meantime he advises motorists to continue to adhere to the signs that have been posted until the new changes have been put in place.