Circumventing stop signs
published: Friday | February 18, 2005

THE EDITOR, Sir:

SOME MOTORISTS while the traffic light is on red, often divert through gas stations or other ways in order to circumvent the red light, while others patiently wait in line. This is an offence and the motorists who do this should desist.

According to the case of R.V. Hanlan, reported in volume 32 of the Jamaican Law Reports at page 137, to circumvent is to disobey by trick the summary offence of 'failing to comply with the indication given by the red light,' whether the offender goes through the red light or goes around the lights. According to the case, the roadway through the station forms part of the road since the public has access to it. If the roadway is controlled by lights, the traffic flowing in the direction of the lights is affected by the lights and the motorists in that flow must obey the traffic sign.

Incidentally, in connection with the letter published in The Gleaner of February 16 headed 'Zero tolerance at stop signs.?' the word stop means to cease from motion or action, as opposed to the word slow which means moving or acting without speed. The sign says stop and not slow. Therefore, motorists should not 'slow to a crawl,' purporting to adhere to the spirit of the law. The law should be adhered to and not its spirit. Stop at stop signs.

I am, etc.,

BRANDIE ANDERSON

Hope Court Mews

Kingston 6