by Linda Straker
- Recent edition of a local online newspaper provided misleading information
- Matter was withdrawn and not thrown out
- Police value traffic wardens contribution to management of traffic on our roads
Vannie Curwen, Head of the Community Relations Department of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF), said that a magistrate did not dismiss a matter because of uncertainties centred around appointments of traffic wardens.
“This matter was withdrawn and not thrown out, and to say that matters of traffic wardens are not being heard by the court is far from the truth,” Curwen told journalists during a recent news conference.
Curwen further explained that the matter published in a recent edition of a local online newspaper provided misleading information. The person was issued with a traffic ticket, and the fine was paid, so the prosecution had no choice but to withdraw the matter when the ticketing offence came up for hearing. “As far as the RGPF is concerned, the traffic wardens are properly instituted, properly employed and unless and until a court of competent authority says otherwise, we will continue to value their contribution to the management of traffic on our roads,” he added.
However, he confirmed that a matter questioning the appointment of traffic wardens is presently before the High Court. “We are aware that the matter was taken before a court system challenging the legality or illegality of the traffic wardens and until this matter is heard and determined, we continue to give full support to the traffic wardens,” he said.
A few years ago, Grenada amended its Road Traffic legislation to establish Traffic Wardens to assist with managing the traffic on the island’s roads. They are employed by the Ministry for Transportation but fall under the supervision of the Ministry of National Security through the Office of the Commission of Police.