Transport CEO Proposes Temporary Moratorium on New Motorcycle Licenses Nationwide

In response to a troubling spike in fatal motorcycle accidents and the increasing use of cycles in criminal activity, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Transport, Chester Williams, is proposing a temporary moratorium on the licensing of motorcycles across the country. The proposal comes amid growing public concern, with recent months seeing a sharp rise in deadly traffic incidents involving motorcyclists, many of whom were either unlicensed or operating in violation of road safety regulations. Compounding the issue is the growing trend of motorcycles being used to facilitate quick getaways in violent crimes, including robberies and shootings. Williams said that it is something he and his minister have been considering. 

Chester Williams, CEO, Ministry of Transport: “I proposed to the minister for us to have a moratorium on the issuing of license for motorcycles. Motorcycles are certainly becoming an issue. Yes, I know it is not going to be within the sole prerogative of our ministry to make that decision, but we are going to propose to cabinet for there to be a moratorium for us to do a more comprehensive study in terms of what we need to do to enhance road safety where motorcycles are concerned. There several issues around the motorcycles and like you rightly pointed out, the fact that they are used by some to engage in criminal activities is a major concern. We have discussed to see if we can come up with a plan where in order for you to get a driver’s license for a motorcycle you must undergo a two to three weeks  motorcycle riding course. We’re hoping that there are going to be people entrepreneurs who may wish to open a school to teach  people to ride motorcycles and in order for you to get the license to ride the motorcycle you would have to be certified by a certified  institution. And so these are things that we’re looking at. We’re also looking at trying to see how we can get the Bureau of Standard to  come up with a standard certified helmet that motorcycle riders must use. Because this practice where they just use a bicycle helmet that just fits on top of their head needs to be done away with. It is not a proper helmet. It does not protect them in the case of an accident.  And so that is one thing that we also need to try to see how we can address. Again, we do understand that motorcycles is the poor man  transportation. And we’re hoping that if we do get the go ahead for the moratorium, it shouldn’t be for too long. I think in about a month, two months time we should be able to come up with a more comprehensive plan. In terms of how we move forward to make sure that those persons who ride motorcycles on our highway are safe.”

The proposed moratorium would temporarily halt the issuance of new motorcycle licenses, allowing the Ministry to review current licensing procedures, enhance road safety campaigns, and explore more stringent measures to ensure responsible use.