A minibus driver who has been transporting passengers from western Jamaica to Kingston for the last 20 years is proud that he has never been given a traffic ticket.

He made the disclosure last week when he heard reports that several motorists had more than 100 unpaid traffic tickets.

"It is really a shame for these motorists to be flouting the law," the minibus driver remarked.

He is of the view that they should be punished for disobeying the law because, according to him, "all a motorist has to do is to obey the law and drive within the speed limit."

"I have been driving a minibus transporting passengers from western Jamaica to Kingston for the last 20 years, and I have never been given a traffic ticket," he said.

Outstanding tickets

"I am really shocked to learn that some motorists particularly minibus drivers have so many outstanding traffic tickets that have not been paid. But my concern is how did they get so many tickets in the first place.

"These minibus drivers must ensure that they drive roadworthy buses and learn to drive within the speed limit because people are relying on them to take them safely to their destinations," he advised.

The minibus driver made a special appeal for motorists not to drive their motor vehicles if they were not insured or licensed.

"I know times are hard and minibus drivers are trying to make a living but I am appealing to them not to put their buses on the road when they are not licensed or insured. Stop the speeding and reckless driving and remember the safety of your passengers.

Claims

"Accidents can happen when you least expect but remember if your motor vehicles are not insured, you and your passengers will have no claims to make from an insurance company. It is better to park the motor vehicle until you can find the money to insure it.

"A minibus driver should not have to be running from the police when signalled to stop because his documents are not in order, or he as unpaid traffic tickets. We are doing a service for our country so let us do so in a law-abiding way.

"When you have to be evading the police or speeding to avoid being stopped by the police, just consider what will happen to you, if you crash your motor vehicle, killing or injuring the passengers," he added.

Motorists must know that there are penalties for those who breach the Road Traffic Act. A motorist who drives recklessly and dangerously causing the death of a person will be charged with manslaughter, and if convicted will be sent to prison.