Transport Dept. targets traffic offences

Belize is not yet at the point were a motorist speeding down the highway need fear that the flashing lights of the highway patrol will suddenly appear in the rear view mirror…but that day may be getting closer. Since early July the Department of Transport has been making a concerted effort to crack down on traffic violations and today offered a progress report on what it calls Operation National Impact. Between July third and thirtieth one thousand, one hundred and twenty traffic tickets were issued. Of this total, two hundred and one–or eighteen percent–were for defective lights, a figure not surprising to anyone who has travelled the highway after dark. The second most frequent violation–responsible for one hundred and fifty citations–was for operating an unlicensed vehicle. Other frequent offences included driving without insurance and driving without a valid permit. The San Ignacio branch of the department was singled out for its successful prosecution of twelve drunk drivers, three of whom lost their licenses for a year and the rest fined. The nationwide operation against traffic violations will continue indefinitely.