Road Safety Warning Aftermath Paloma

Published 24th November, 10:23am

The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) is reminding motorists in the Sister Islands to take care whilst driving. "Road safety has been a concern for the police since Hurricane Paloma and some members of the public have expressed concern about the increased speeds at which cars and dump trucks are being driven," said Chief Inspector Malcolm Kay who has had oversight of policing in the Sister Islands since the hurricane.

Heavy equipment and dump truck drivers are reminded to obey the speed limits and drive with caution when approaching Brac Power and Light vehicles repairing lines and other road side clean-up crews.

CI Kay said, "Due to the large and unusual sized loads being carried by dump trucks during the clean-up operation, many dump truck operators have removed the tail gate from their vehicles. It is essential that if this is done that the loads being carried are secure and do not cause any accidents or injuries to other road users because of debris falling from the truck."

In light of the phased reopening of several schools, drivers are asked to take special note of these safety measures.

Licensing and inspection of vehicles

Drivers whose vehicle licenses have expired over the past two weeks have been granted a reprieve while the Government Administrative building in Cayman Brac was not able to receive payment. A deadline of Monday 1 December has been agreed to get all vehicles in order.

To date, the police have exercised a great deal of discretion in regards to vehicles being driven with obvious signs of damage as a result of the storm. However, the deadline of 1 December is final and no further discretion will be exercised by police after that date.

Additionally, discretion will not be exercised by the police in regards to expired insurance certificates as insurance companies are reopened for business on Cayman Brac.

Anyone with information about crime taking place in the Cayman Islands should contact their local police station or Crime Stoppers on 800-8477 (TIPS). All persons calling crime stoppers remain anonymous, and are eligible for a reward of up to $1000, should their information lead to an arrest or recovery of property/drugs.

For further information contact: Susan Watler