Make road traffic law gender neutral
published: Sunday | September 18, 2005

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I write regarding the wording of the Road Traffic Law, which when it was written sought to portray the fact that women at that time were not licensed drivers.

As a Justice of the Peace who is asked to sign the Certificate of Character ­ Road Traffic Law. Cap. 346 (Form F4) ­ it is my humble opinion that the wording should be amended to reflect the changing times and the fact that women are now part of the licensed drivers on our roads, therefore where it states

(a) "has been known ... my name, and that he is sober, honest," etc etc., should read ... my name, and that he/she and

(b) "has (no) such records ... as should debar him from obtaining," etc. etc. should read ... as should debar him/her from

These changes should also apply to the other parts of the law.

I am etc.,

CLAUDE H. EDWARDS,

J.P.

Hampton Green,

Spanish Town