Cabinet Approves Dedicated Night Court for Traffic Offences

Traffic offenders could soon have their cases heard outside regular court hours after Cabinet approved the establishment of a dedicated night court to handle traffic-related matters.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said Friday that Cabinet accepted a recommendation from Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin to create the specialized court as part of efforts to address a growing backlog of traffic cases and concerns over road safety.

Merchant said Cabinet’s decision followed extensive discussions on the increasing number of traffic offences and road traffic incidents being reported across the country, as well as the rising number of traffic matters awaiting resolution before the courts.

Cabinet expressed concern about the frequency of traffic accidents and violations and their impact on public safety, property and the administration of justice. Members agreed that a more focused and timely approach was needed to ensure traffic-related offences are dealt with without unnecessary delays.

The night court will be dedicated exclusively to hearing traffic cases and is expected to provide a mechanism for reducing the existing caseload while improving the speed at which new matters are brought before the courts.

Merchant said the initiative is also intended to strengthen enforcement of traffic laws by ensuring that offenders are held accountable in a timely manner.