Reckless driving continues to pose a serious threat to public safety across the island, with frequent collisions and near-misses disrupting daily commutes and placing lives at risk. In response, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is moving closer to introducing a demerit points system aimed at strengthening accountability among motorists.
During a media engagement this week, Superintendent in the Department of Road Safety and Traffic Investigations, Troy Lamontagne, confirmed that discussions are actively underway to bring the long-anticipated system into operation.
“In partnership with the Ministry of Transport, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is collaborating very, very closely to see implementation of the Demerit Point system,” Lamontagne stated.
He explained that while the legislative framework for such a system already exists, the delay has been largely administrative.
“That is an area that has been enacted in law for a number of years now and enforcement or the administrative process to allow this to continue or to take place is not happening,” he said.
Lamontagne noted that a series of meetings between the department and the Ministry of Transport have been focused on resolving outstanding concerns that have hindered implementation.
“A few meetings have been held by the department with the Ministry of Transport trying to address any unidentified or a little bit difficult concerns with regard to the Merritt Point system,” he added.
Once these issues are resolved and the necessary amendments are finalized, either through regulation or statute, the system is expected to take effect.
“As soon as these are addressed and the necessary amendments are made, either via regulation or statute, the demerit point system will become in effect,” Lamontagne explained.
Under the proposed framework, drivers who repeatedly violate traffic laws will face cumulative penalties that could ultimately result in the loss of their driving privileges.
“So, drivers who are committing repeated offences on the road and being convicted of crimes, whether it be via ticket or before a magistrate in the court, you will be losing points and then after a certain number of points, you will not be able to drive. Either your license will be suspended, or you will lose it,” he said.
Authorities believe the system will serve as a deterrent to dangerous driving behaviors and help foster a culture of greater responsibility on the nation’s roads.
Lamontagne issued a direct appeal to motorists to adopt safer practices, even ahead of the system’s formal rollout.
“We urge all drivers out there to drive safely, observe all laws relating to the road so that we have a safer environment out there,” he urged.
The proposed demerit points system marks a potential turning point in traffic enforcement, as officials intensify efforts to curb reckless driving and improve road safety nationwide.