Corporal Brendon Sutherland of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda (RPFAB) Traffic Department is urging lawmakers to revisit and strengthen penalties for traffic violations, warning that lenient fines and outdated regulations are failing to deter dangerous driving across the country.

His call comes after two fatal collisions occurred within a 24-hour period, adding to what appears to be an uptick in serious road incidents in recent weeks. According to the traffic officer, despite continuous public appeals and safety campaigns, many motorists persist in driving recklessly and showing disregard for the Highway Code.

Speaking with Observer Media, Sutherland said the current legal framework offers limited consequences for behaviours that put other road users at risk. Offences such as driving without due care and attention are not arrestable, and officers are often required to proceed by summons unless the circumstances rise to the level of dangerous driving. Even then, police authority to make an arrest depends heavily on witnessing the offence firsthand.

He noted that the penalties attached to several common violations remain so minimal that they provide little incentive for motorists to change their habits. The use of cell phones while driving is one such example, where a modest ticketing fine has not curbed widespread non-compliance. Many drivers, he explained, simply ignore the penalties and continue the unsafe practice.

Despite this, Sutherland cautioned motorists that their infractions are recorded. Every ticket issued is entered into a database and carries a point that contributes to a driver’s overall tally. Once a driver accumulates 14 points, their licence becomes eligible for suspension. He warned that as the system becomes fully operational, drivers could soon face suspensions without realizing how many violations they have accumulated.

The traffic officer emphasized that patience and planning remain essential to road safety. He reminded motorists that Antigua and Barbuda’s small geographic size means destinations are never far apart, and rushing rarely saves meaningful time. He encouraged drivers to plan ahead, leave earlier when needed, and avoid taking unnecessary risks on the road.

Sutherland reiterated that reducing traffic collisions requires drivers to remain alert, avoid distractions, and exercise responsibility behind the wheel. He added that stricter penalties, paired with improved compliance and greater patience among motorists, could significantly improve safety for all road users.