Protesters Rally Against Proposed Motorcycle Fee

A small group of protesters gathered on Saturday at the border between Eldridgeville and Jacintoville to voice concerns over a proposed $300 motorcycle-related fee being considered by the Ministry of Transportation.  The demonstrators said the proposed fee would place an added burden on motorcycle riders, particularly in rural communities where motorcycles are a primary and affordable means of transportation.  Toledo activist Wil Maheia was among those who addressed the issue during the protest. Speaking with Love News Senior Correspondent Paul Mahung, Maheia argued that an across-the-board fee fails to distinguish between responsible riders and those who break the law.

Wil Maheia, Toledo Activist: “The proposed $300 fee that motorcycle riders would have to pay we, I myself as a rider and a lot of other people had contacted me to ask that we do something about this proposed $300 because they feel like it is, and myself including, that it is unjust and not justified this $300 fee. I mean, when you go and you get your motorcycle license you have to take a test. So right there that is a test that you are qualified, you know how to ride otherwise you would not have gotten your license. So right there by the government granting you a motorcycle license it’s telling you that you are capable of riding and riding on highways. We believe that the majority of accidents that’s happening on the highway could be reduced if the law enforcement officers, the traffic and the policemen would enforce the road safety laws. We held this discussion in the village of Jacintoville because over the past year close to 10 people died from vehicle and motorcycle accidents. And the reason for that is not because they were drunk or anything, it was because the road is not clearly marked so there are accidents. And in other instances where people have died as a result of motorcycle accidents it’s because they were under the influence. So if the enforcement officers were out there enforcing the laws these people would not have the opportunity to ride drunk. We would like to see the government and the police and traffic department step up the law and enforce the law where if you are drinking, you should not be driving. More so than, you know, you have hundreds of people out there who don’t drink at all, especially when they are getting on a motorcycle. So why should they pay this price of $300 when they are not guilty of anything?” 

The Ministry of Transportation is examining a new $300 fee linked to motorcycle use, aimed at improving regulation, safety compliance, and accountability among riders. Officials have previously indicated that motorcycles account for a significant share of traffic violations and road fatalities, and that additional fees could help fund enforcement, licensing administration, and road safety initiatives.  However, the proposal has sparked debate, especially in the south, where motorcycles are widely used for daily commuting, work, and access to essential services.  Maheia further warned that the proposed fee could disproportionately affect low-income Belizeans, particularly in rural districts such as Toledo.  Maheia explains that many Belizeans rely on motorcycles because they cannot afford four-wheel vehicles and says the fee risks further marginalizing the poor.

Wil Maheia, Toledo Activist: “Like I say, when you get your license, the license officer certifies that you are qualified to ride a motorcycle. So they shouldn’t come back and now and say “Oh well, we gave you a license, but you need more training.” No, that’s not how it works. That’s not how it works at all. When a vehicle gets into an accident they don’t come back and tell the driver, “Oh well, all drivers have to go and take an extra course.” No, that’s crazy. We just think that the poorest of the poor people in this country, especially in Toledo, own motorcycles because they can’t afford a four-wheel vehicle. So you could see it’s like the poor people again will be carrying the burden so that the others could like you know live their life. And again, it’s on the back of the poor people and again Paul I want to thank you. Love, like you say, is Everywhere and I want to thank you for being everywhere so that the people of Belize can know what is going on.”

To date, the Ministry of Transportation has not announced a final decision on the implementation date or structure of the proposed fee. Government officials have indicated that consultations are ongoing and that any new measure would be aimed at improving road safety while strengthening regulation of motorcycle use nationwide.