Letter to the Editor

Congratulations to the RCIP... Enforcement should continue

Tuesday, April 27, 2004

Dear Sir,

I would like to congratulate the RCIP traffic enforcement officers on cracking down on the epidemic of speeding here on the island.

I could never understand why on a small island people are in such a rush, that they are willing to not only to put their lives on the line, but their pocket-books as well.

Again thanks for enforcing the law, and hopefully putting the fear of financial retribution into everyone’s mind. Now keep it going every day, and every week, and every month all year long.

I say congratulations... but, because the police can pass out $100 speeding fines, they could with very little effort increase that revenue five fold.

There is not a $100 but a $500 fine for illegal parking in handicapped parking spaces, and yet the traffic department does not enforce this regulation at all.

The $500 fine is specified very clearly in the law covering handicapped parking. If you are handicapped, try to find a parking place at Foster’s, Hurley’s or Kirk’s. All of these parking spaces are taken by non handicapped drivers, who feel it perfectly all right to take these spaces, and become abusive when they are told it is illegal.

I am absolutely amazed by the attitude of these drivers who act as if “God gave this road to me”.

For all those who are legitimately handicapped, I would ask that they get a letter from their doctor, then go to the Department of Motor Vehicles, and for $5 purchase a Handicapped Placard which will allow them to legally park in a handicapped zone. It’s simple, quick, cheap, and saves an awful lot of trouble getting and using a handicapped parking space.

To the Traffic Department, I would request that they start enforcing their law, and start ticketing those violators who park illegally, and think it is smart, by telling the handicapped person, that they have a perfect right to park anywhere they please.

If they would start ticketing these people not only would the violations stop, but they could help increase government revenue sizably. A $500 parking fine is a lot easier to give than a $100 speeding fine.

Jack Benz

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