The St. Maarten Police Force KPSM checked 23 scooters during a series of targeted enforcement operations between Sunday, September 20 and Sunday, September 27 (see related story) focusing on, among other things, road safety. Eleven of these, close to half, were impounded because their drivers could not produce the required valid documentation.
This again gives an idea of the level of lawlessness among motorbike riders. Even taking into account that mostly suspect looking ones may have been stopped, near 50% is still an exceptionally high percentage.
Justice Minister Nathalee Tackling recently called for a broader legal framework governing motorcycles, scooters, trikes, ATVs, e-bikes, electric scooters and kick scooters, as part of plans to modernise the Traffic Ordinance. Proposed measures regard minimum age requirements, maximum speed limits, rules determining where different types of vehicles may operate, helmet certification requirements and mandatory safety equipment.
The ministry also wants stricter rules against modified exhaust systems that exceed permitted noise levels and explicit authority for police to confiscate and destroy illegal or non-compliant motorcycle and vehicle parts.
For those who may think this regards a purely domestic matter, keep in mind that many tourists and especially cruise passengers drive around the island with these kinds of vehicles on a daily basis. Not only that, but reckless behaviour by some local riders in the destination’s streets is negatively affecting visitors’ vacation experience.
So there are many factors to consider, including socioeconomic implications. Prolonged legislative inaction, however, hardly seems an option at this point.
The current “Wild West” situation on the ground cannot be allowed to continue and begs for more than just police controls. Something basic needs to give sooner rather than later.
