Williams
OPPOSITION SENATOR Arthur Williams is calling on the Government to take decisive action to bring the high rate of uninsured motor vehicles travelling along the nation's roadways under control.
"The Jamaica Association of General Insurance Companies has been considering this problem and, I am informed, is in favour of the introduction of the British sticker system," Senator Williams told his colleagues in the Senate yesterday.
While making his contribution to the State of the Nation Debate, he said that such a requirement, if made into law, would not be a strain on the public purse as the provision of stickers would be the responsibility of insurance companies.
"All that is required is for Parliament to make the appropriate amendments to the laws, to give effect to such a proposal," he explained.
According to Senator Williams, reports have revealed that up to 30 per cent of vehicles using the roads are not properly insured. As a result, he said, many victims of accidents involving uninsured vehicles have little recourse because the operator of the uninsured vehicles cannot afford to pay.
"There are many of our people who have suffered serious injuries as a result of motor vehicle accidents, and can receive no compensation," he said.
In the sticker system, recently brought into effect in Britain, a sticker is required to be placed against the windshield, in the same manner as a motor vehicle licence disc. The stickers, like the licence discs, are colour coded and allow the authorities to readily detect where there is no insurance or where insurance has expired.
