Bridgetown.
The Traffic Division of the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) is increasing its presence on the nation's roads
Public Relations Officer of the RBPF Inspector David Welch says the force has stretched its vigilance to rural parts of the island and will be cracking down on the illegal activity.
Speaking to the media at the District 'A' Police Station, Welch said the matter is of high priority.
"We will continue our efforts looking at the different offences that have been occurring and we are appealing to those motorists whose particulars relative to insurance and drivers licenses are not in order to have them in order as soon as possible," he said.
Meanwhile, Station Sargeant with the Traffic Division, Rodney Inniss said there is also concern about the recklessness and lawlessness exhibited by some motorcyclists.
Inniss said the offences range from unregistered bikes which are also uninsured, drivers with no license and no tax certificate. According to Inniss, in some instances offenders have been charged multiple times for the same offence.
"In some instances they don't carry a front or rear number plate as required by law, they do not have horns or warning devices as required by law, they do not carry headlamps, they're really just an engine and a frame with a rider and they are traversing all the roads of Barbados doing nonsense," Inniss said.
While acknowledging that the riders are skilful, Inniss warned they pose a danger to the drivers and other road users. He suggested the riders join together and find a private and off-road location.
He expressed concerned about the use of fraudulent licenses which are intentionally used by some drivers to evade the law; or by others who have bought a vehicle and continue to use the license plate though the original owner has indicated to the Ministry of Public Works (MPW) they intention to retain its use. He said both actions are illegal.
Inniss cautioned drivers against changing the engine capacity of the bikes without the MPW's knowledge, this alters the validity of the license issued.
