Permanent License Revocation for Serious Traffic Offenders?

Tonight, the Ministry of Transport is cracking down. After a troubling rise in deadly road accidents, officials say it’s time for tougher penalties. CEO Chester Williams says the ministry is heading to parliament with proposed changes to Belize’s traffic laws, and they’re going all in. One of the most serious amendments is a lifetime revocation of a driver’s license in extreme cases. Williams says these stricter measures are necessary to help curb the number of fatal crashes on our roads.

 

Chester Williams, CEO, Ministry of Transport

“If you are found to be driving a vehicle under the influence and you cause the death of a person, you should not be treated likely, like the way how the law is now. You’re just given a fine of five thousand compensation and then you go and you get a license. Now, container drive again I do believe that strict damages need to be taken and we are addressing that, likewise to create a separate regime that will be able to deal with persons who are convicted of driving and influence where death is involved. The driver’s license that you possess is a privilege that you have. It’s not of right. And while you do have the privilege, then you must make sure that you use it the right way. And do not use your driver’s license to weaponize yourself with a vehicle and then kill other people. It cannot work. As a society, we almost condemn that and do what needs to be done to make our people more. Safe.”