Extensive Traffic Enforcement Results in Over 100 Citations Issued on Easter Monday.

On Monday, April 21, 2025, the Traffic Department of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force undertook a comprehensive series of operations aimed at enhancing road safety and deterring criminal activity across the island. These operations involved a multi-pronged approach, incorporating vehicular checkpoints, proactive searches, and targeted enforcement of traffic regulations. The day’s activities resulted in a significant number of traffic citations, arrests related to driving violations, and the seizure of potentially suspicious items, underscoring the commitment of the police force to maintaining public safety.

The core of the operation centered around vehicular checkpoints (VCPS) strategically positioned at Johnson Long Path and Southwell Way Road in Frigate Bay. These checkpoints allowed officers to meticulously scrutinize passing vehicles and drivers for compliance with traffic laws. A total of 107 traffic tickets were issued for a wide array of infractions, highlighting the prevalence of various driving offences. The most common violation was speeding, with 40 tickets issued for exceeding the speed limit. This underscores the ongoing challenge of managing vehicle speeds and ensuring adherence to safe driving practices on the island’s roadways.

A significant number of tickets also addressed safety-related violations. Nineteen tickets were issued for driving with a child unrestrained by a seatbelt, while eleven drivers were cited for transporting children without the required child seats. These offences highlight a concerning disregard for child passenger safety, emphasizing the need for continued public awareness campaigns and enforcement efforts to protect vulnerable young passengers. Further emphasizing the safety aspect, two tickets were issued for passengers not wearing seatbelts, and two drivers were cited for driving without wearing their own seatbelts. Additional offences included nine tickets issued for dark-tinted windscreens, six for dark-tinted windows, and one for driving with a defective tire. These violations collectively contribute to potential safety hazards on the roads.

Beyond safety-related violations, several tickets addressed issues of licensing, vehicle condition, and adherence to other traffic regulations. Three drivers were cited for failing to produce a driver’s license immediately upon request, while three others were found to be operating vehicles without a valid and unexpired driver’s license. Three vehicles were found to be unlicensed, further indicating potential issues with vehicle registration and compliance. Four tickets were issued for identification marks not conforming to regulations, two for overcrowding a vehicle, and two for driving without appropriate headgear. These infractions, while individually less severe than safety violations, collectively contribute to a climate of non-compliance with traffic laws and underscore the need for consistent enforcement.

The operations extended beyond issuing traffic tickets to include arrests for more serious driving offences. Two individuals were arrested and subsequently charged: Mr. Shaquille Worrell of Cayon for operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license and insurance, and Mr. Terayon Richards of West Farm for similar offences. Both individuals were later released on bail. These arrests demonstrate the police force’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for serious driving violations that pose a significant risk to public safety.

In addition to traffic enforcement, the Traffic Department conducted proactive searches of seven vehicles and their occupants suspected of potential involvement in criminal activity. Although no illegal drugs, firearms, or ammunition were discovered during these searches, items such as pen knives and a face mask were recovered. While these items are not inherently illegal, their discovery underscores the importance of proactive policing in deterring criminal activity and maintaining a sense of security within the community. The searches demonstrate the Traffic Department’s dedication to going beyond traffic enforcement and actively contributing to broader crime prevention efforts.

The comprehensive operations conducted by the Traffic Department of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force on April 21, 2025, represent a multifaceted approach to enhancing road safety and public security. The issuance of numerous traffic tickets addressed a wide spectrum of violations, from speeding and child safety to licensing and vehicle condition, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance and enforcement. The arrests related to driving without proper documentation further demonstrate the seriousness with which the police force takes such offences. Furthermore, the proactive searches, even though they did not yield illegal contraband in this instance, contribute to a proactive policing strategy that aims to deter criminal activity and maintain a safe environment for all residents and visitors. The overall message conveyed by these operations is one of commitment to upholding the law, promoting responsible driving, and ensuring the safety and security of the community.