Aug 8 – Sept 12: 716 Tickets Issued For Offences

“During this period [8th August until 12th September], 716 tickets were issued for various traffic offences – an increase of 76 from the previous period’s total of 640,” the police said.

A police spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Police Service [BPS] continues to enforce Operation Vega, in order to help make our roads safer.

“It is concerning to note that 19 motorists were arrested for impaired driving from 8th August until 12th September 2022, despite that number being a slight reduction from the last reporting period [11th July until 8th August 2022], when 22 motorists were arrested for impaired driving.

“During this period [8th August until 12th September], 716 tickets were issued for various traffic offences – an increase of 76 from the previous period’s total of 640. Motorists receiving tickets for speeding and ignoring traffic signs also increased from the previous period.

“The breakdown of the most recent ticketed traffic offences is below. The change compared to the previous period is provided in brackets.

• Speeding – 368 [+75] highest ticketed speed was 94 kph.
• Disobeying a traffic sign – 113 [+35]
• Unlicensed vehicle – 75 [+1]
• No third party insurance – 59 [-2]
• No driver’s licence – 46 [-12]
• Helmet – 15 [-7]
• Manner of driving – 12 [-9]
• Failure to stop – 11 [+11]
• Defective vehicle – 7 [+6]
• Seatbelt – 4 [-17]
• Disqualified driver – 3 [-6]
• Cell phone – 2 [0]
• Fraudulent documents – 1 [+1]
• Failure to give name/address – 0 [0]

“In addition, 98 warnings were recorded in the most recent statistics, up from 91 during the last reporting period. Since inception [6th July 2021], Operation Vega has logged a total of 7,388 traffic tickets for various road offences.”

Chief Inspector Robert Cardwell of the BPS Tactical Operations Division stated, “This last period of Operation Vega enforcement 8th August to 12th September represented another good period of traffic enforcement. The numbers in this period compared to the last period of measurement [11th July to 8th August] were up in most categories.

“We remain concerned around the number of unlicensed and uninsured vehicles on the roads as well as the number of people driving without a valid driver’s licence. Speeding offenders continue to dominate the moving violation ticket numbers with speeds in this period seen between 57kph and 94kph. 94kph is almost triple the lawful speed limit. Many of the traffic collisions we are seeing on the roads are attributable to speed and inattention – at times combined. Collision reduction is the goal of Operation Vega.

“Impaired driving arrests on the roads even in light of Road Side Sobriety testing, which is unfortunately sporadic due to the legislation framework we have to work within, is also a concern. We continue to caution against driving whilst impaired, whether by alcohol or drug, due to the inherent dangers and risk of injury that can be caused not only to yourself, but to someone else. Any individual driving whilst intoxicated suffers from slowed down reflexes and a temporarily lowered mental acuity, which compromises the ability to control their vehicle. “Buzzed” driving is still drunk driving and is dangerous.

“We are very pleased with the traction Operation Vega has had, thanks to the hard work of all of the men and women of the Bermuda Police Service, specifically the Operational Units. Our ultimate goal is to make Bermuda safer. This is what we are all working towards – and includes ongoing vigilance regarding road safety.

“Collision numbers are still much higher than we would like to see them and the continued loss of life on the roads is a real concern. We continue to attend collisions that have resulted in serious injury, including head trauma and the loss of a limb. Driving or riding safely should be everyone’s top priority. The practicing of safe driving basics every time you are on the road is every drivers/riders responsibility.

“The use of distracting devices such as a cellular phone, which is unlawful, is heavily frowned upon by other motorists sharing the road with you, as a result of the clear distraction it causes while driving.

“The speed limit is 35kph and is reduced in some built up areas, such as where pedestrian traffic is high, or in school zones. Driving above the speed limit, or without care, caution and consideration for your surroundings, puts you and others at risk of injury or worse.

“Making Bermuda safer is not just a job for the police service. This is something we can all contribute to and it can be achieved on the roads by slowing down as a start. We have been overwhelmed by the public support for Operation Vega and it is clear that calming the roads is the want of most.”

#BermudaPolice #Traffic

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