00:00The Owners Dealers Association is questioning whether government resources are being directed effectively
00:06following the introduction of new LIDAR speed enforcement devices for the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
00:13In a state month, ODA President Ravel Chattagun says while the association welcomes additional tools for law enforcement,
00:21concerns remain over transparency, policing priorities, and whether the new devices will truly improve public safety.
00:29The association notes that some police stations reportedly continue to face shortages of basic administrative supplies,
00:36including printers, receipt books, and other essential resources, even as new speed enforcement technology is being introduced.
00:44The association is calling for greater accountability surrounding the procurement process,
00:50questioning why the cost of the devices has not been publicly disclosed.
00:55The group further highlights the continued absence of updated crime statistics on the TTPS's website,
01:01asking whether citizens genuinely feel safer despite billions being allocated annually to national security and the ongoing state of emergency.
01:12The association is also requesting data on speeding fines collected since fixed penalties increased earlier this year,
01:19along with information on how contested matters are affecting the judicial system.
01:25While acknowledging that reckless driving must be addressed,
01:28the ODA argues that speeding is not the only cause of road traffic accidents.
01:34They question whether traditional speed traps remain effective in an age where drivers can use navigational apps such as ways
01:41to avoid them.
01:42Instead, the association is advocating for increased highway patrols, motorcycle units, body cameras for officers,
01:49and greater investment in crime detection.
01:52Meanwhile, the Association of Maxi Taxis Trinidad and Tobago is also expressing frustration over the government's latest speed control measures,
02:01saying long-standing concerns from maxi taxi operators continue to be ignored.
02:07In a media statement, PRO Brent Monroe says while the association supports initiatives aimed at improving road safety and enforcing
02:15traffic laws,
02:16members are disappointed that repeated calls for an increase in highway speed limit for maxi taxis have not been addressed.
02:24The association argues that raising the limit would allow operators to better serve the traveling public,
02:30particularly after private vehicles were granted an increase from 80 to 100 kilometers per hour.
02:37According to the group, public service and commercial vehicles were excluded from that adjustment,
02:43despite repeated appeals from operators.
02:46The association says the situation is unfair and believes issues affecting maxi taxi operators are being overlooked,
02:52while other policies are being fast-tracked.
02:55The group says it plans to convene a meeting in the coming days to determine its next steps
03:00and is calling on the public to stand in solidarity with operators should action be taken.
03:06Together, both organizations say while road safety enforcement remains important,
03:10greater consultation, transparency, and balanced policymaking are needed
03:15to ensure the concerns of both motorists and transport operators are properly addressed.
03:21I wish you to worry, Robin Ryan, TV6 News.
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