In a passionate parliamentary debate on the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2026, Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West MP Stuart Young delivered an emotional appeal for drivers facing severe financial strain under newly intensified penalty systems. The legislation, championed by Transport Minister Eli Zakour, mandates drivers rectify any of 18 specified vehicle defects within three to seven days or face escalating penalties from written warnings to fixed penalty notices.
Young presented compelling testimony from his constituency work, detailing how ordinary citizens are being crushed by the weight of traffic fines. He recounted the story of one driver who accumulated $13,000 in penalties while struggling to support his family through combined employment as a security officer and taxi operator. ‘There are those out there who are suffering as a direct result of the policies you have implemented,’ Young declared to government members.
The MP accused certain government officials of inhabiting an ‘ivory tower’ disconnected from the practical realities facing most citizens. He emphasized the logistical challenges drivers encounter when attempting compliance, including difficulty sourcing parts—particularly for older vehicles—and the unreliable availability of mechanics. Young highlighted how a simple brake light failure could trigger a penalty cycle that might exceed a driver’s monthly earnings.
Young specifically criticized the government’s budgetary approach, noting documents revealed a projected $200 million increase in traffic penalty revenue. While affirming his support for road safety measures, he argued for more reasonable time allowances for compliance, stating the current framework fails to account for the socioeconomic realities of most drivers. The MP extended an invitation to government ministers to witness firsthand the struggles faced by drivers in East Port of Spain areas.