The Senate has postponed debate on the Road Traffic Bill.

It was expected that the Bill would have been passed today (Friday) to clear the way for it to be signed into law this year.

Speaking in the Senate Friday morning, Information Minister Ruel Reid, said the delay is to facilitate further public discussions.

He did not indicate when the bill will be debated.

Representatives of several transport associations were present at Gordon House in anticipation of the debate.

The Bill, which will amend the Road Traffic Act, has come under intense scrutiny because of the radical changes to be implemented if it is passed.

Opposition Spokesman on Transport Mikael Phillips said the government has made the right decision in delaying the Senate debate on the Road Traffic Bill.

He said there are issues apart from the changes to the law which need to be resolved, so the government should “appoint someone who is willing to sit with (the taxi operators) and discuss some of the challenges that are being faced in the sector.”

Mr. Phillips urged the government to ensure that it approaches the discussions with the stakeholder groups sincerely.

http://rjrnewsonline.com/local/senate-suspends-debate-on-road-traffic-bill_1