By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE Ministry of Works and Transport is reminding the public that traffic wardens appointed by the Commissioner of Police have the authority to issue Fixed Penalty Notices to motorists for traffic violations.
The ministry in a press release on Tuesday said it noted with grave concern the viral video which captured the physical altercation between a traffic warden and an off-duty police officer on Monday on Frederick Street, Port of Spain.
“Any conduct or the display of behaviour by any member of the public that amounts to interference with the powers of a traffic warden and an obstruction in the execution of their duty must be condemned and dealt with in accordance with the law,” the release stated.
The ministry is awaiting the outcome of an investigation launched by the Professional Standards Bureau (PSB)
The Ministry of Works and Transport stated that under the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 48:50, a Traffic Warden is appointed by the Commissioner of Police, to assist in the control and regulation of road traffic and enforcement of road traffic laws.
Also, a traffic warden in uniform has the authority to issue Fixed Penalty Notices to motorists for traffic violations.
Section 10A(3) of the Act also states: “Any driver who fails to comply with the directions given by a Traffic Warden while on duty or obstructs a Traffic Warden in the execution of his duty, or aids or incites any other person not to comply with the directions of a Traffic Warden or to obstruct a Traffic Warden in the execution of his duty, is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for six months.”
The ministry stated that it remained committed to building strong partnerships and working closely with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) in its continuous pursuit to ensure compliance with road traffic laws and promote road safety for all road users.
