Holiday traffic safety operations commenced this month with intensified road enforcement operations that will continue throughout the holiday season and into the new year.   The Traffic and Roads Policing Unit has increased its traffic stops and high visibility patrols, with the aim of reducing traffic collisions, cracking down on traffic offenses, and reassuring the community through an increased police presence. DUI offences continue to be a major concern during the holiday season, and a focus of the campaign, but officers are also targeting illegal tint, speeding, and persons driving while disqualified.

“As we enter the festive season, we know that the temptation to drink and drive increases,” said Inspector Dwayne Jones, head of the Traffic and Roads Policing Unit. “That’s why increased road enforcement is needed to deter drinking and driving and the serious accidents that can result. We understand the desire to celebrate and socialize, and we simply encourage the public to do so responsibly. If you will be consuming alcohol, then you must find an alternative to driving. If not, you will face the consequences.”

Since the beginning of the month, traffic officers have made eleven DUI arrests as part of this operation. So far officers have also issued 132 tickets for tint, 109 tickets for speeding, ticketed 17 persons for expired registration, and issued 14 Traffic Offense Reports (for no insurance, no certificate of roadworthiness, expired licenses, or excessive speed), which require persons to appear in court. Officers have also arrested 8 persons for driving while disqualified or unqualified. These totals are in addition to tickets and arrests made by shift officers during regular patrols.

“The purpose of the road safety campaign is not just about deterring unsafe behavior on the road and targeting law breakers, but also ensuring we have good policing visibility to deter irresponsible driving during this festive period,” said Robert Graham, Superintendent of Uniform Operations. “Bad driving practices and the enforcement of the law need to be addressed whatever time of year, but the festive period brings with it additional issues and challenges. As such, please make arrangements in advance to ensure safe transportation to and from holiday festivities. I would ask all members of the public to work with the police and drive responsibly. By simply following the law, you can help to make the roads that much safer this holiday season.”

As in past years, the RCIPS is also supporting the National Drug Council in their annual Designated Driver and New Year’s Eve Purple Ribbon Bus Campaigns. The Designated Driver Campaign began on 1 December and continues throughout the holiday season. The campaign is an initiative among local restaurants, which offer to provide the designated driver of a party with complimentary soft drinks throughout the evening. Meanwhile, the Purple Ribbon Bus service provides free bus service on New Year’s Eve from 9:00PM to 4:00AM for all districts on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac.