BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has declared the nation’s newly implemented photo radar system already demonstrating measurable success in modifying driver behavior and enhancing road safety. The controversial automated enforcement initiative, currently in its pilot phase, has generated significant public debate since its introduction earlier this year as part of a comprehensive strategy to combat speeding and reduce traffic fatalities.
During a recent appearance on ‘The Round Table’ program, Dr. Drew emphasized that preliminary observations indicate drivers are substantially reducing their speeds across the Federation’s road networks. While acknowledging the system has faced strenuous criticism from various quarters including media outlets and opposition voices, the Prime Minister maintained that the primary objective remains saving lives through improved traffic safety measures.
‘Our fundamental goal was to achieve slower traffic flow throughout the nation,’ Dr. Drew stated during his media engagement. ‘Since implementation, we have observed a notable decline in average vehicle speeds accompanied by reductions in both accident frequency and, most significantly, the complete absence of traffic fatalities during this period.’
The Prime Minister specifically addressed criticisms from Times Caribbean and other detractors, defending the program’s early effectiveness despite the absence of comprehensive statistical data. Official police records for 4 indicate 1,700 reported accidents throughout the Federation—with 1,345 occurring in St. Kitts and 436 in Nevis—including eight catastrophic collisions that claimed thirteen lives.
Dr. Drew explained that government authorities prefer awaiting at least three months of operational data before conducting thorough comparative analysis. However, he affirmed that initial observations strongly suggest positive trends in accident reduction. The photo radar system is expected to transition into a permanent traffic safety solution following the conclusion of its pilot evaluation phase.