Transport Minister Audley Shaw
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Audley Shaw
By Clinton McGregor
In the wake of mounting public pressure, the government has agreed to scrap the seatbelt restrictions for children in public passenger vehicles (PPVs).
This was disclosed in the House of Representatives on Tuesday afternoon by Transport Minister Audley Shaw.
Mr. Shaw told Parliament that the government has taken note of the protest action by transport operators over the requirements in the new Road Traffic Act.
He said the law will be amended to resolve the issues raised by the operators.
Under the revised measures, children under one-year-old travelling in a public passenger vehicle must be restrained by an adult and children one to three years may travel with no restraint or be restrained by an adult.
Children three to six years old may travel without restraint or be restrained by an adult or a lap belt.
For children six to nine years old, they may travel without restraint or with a lap belt, while children older than nine years old may travel without restraint, with a lap belt or with a three-point seatbelt.
Only children who are the weight and size to use an adult seatbelt are permitted to travel in the front passenger seat.
Mr. Shaw said parents or caregivers are not allowed to sit in the front of public passenger vehicles with a child.
The minister made it clear that the government is determined to use the new Road Traffic Act and Regulations to reduce road fatalities.
He said while the government listened to the feedback from the public and continues to welcome dialogue, there can be "no compromise on the intent of the law and the safety of our people".
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