Community and Society
New regulations by SPTC on golf cart rentals causing mixed reactions
For the past years, the issue of traffic congestion in the downtown area of San Pedro has been a constant challenge to tackle. The cause has been attributed to congestion in specific areas, such as the local airport and water taxi terminals. As such, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is implementing restrictions for golf cart rentals at these ports of entry, prohibiting them from parking, loading, unloading, and soliciting business. These restrictions did not sit well with some stakeholders, who felt targeted, describing these as unfair and harmful for their companies. A call was also made to reconsider part of the regulation and further investigate the issue of taxi drivers taking up street space and overcharging.
Traffic
Parking meters on Barrier Reef Drive still a go
The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is still working out details to launch their parking meter pilot project on Barrier Reef Drive (Front Street) to alleviate the traffic congestion in the downtown area. According to the island administration, there is no definite time to launch the project. Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez said the project is underway, but first, they need to prepare an alternate parking area inside the Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Arena (Saca Chispas field). Mayor Nuñez also touched on some factors affecting the parking issue downtown, like golf cart rentals taking up too much public space and adding to the congestion.
Accidents & Disasters
A mishap involving large trucks in northern Ambergris Caye raises road safety concerns
While no one was reported injured in a traffic mishap on Wednesday, August 23th, involving two large trucks on the northern road of Ambergris Caye, the incident raised concerns among commuters using the daily route. The issue of these large trucks speeding can potentially endanger other motorists. The problem is a shared concern with residents in the downtown area equally traversed by these large trucks. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) and its transport department have set schedules and regulations for these large vehicles, but the issue persists. Those concerned urge the respective authorities to do more before someone gets hurt.
Traffic
Mobility ADO Resumes Belize-Cancun Service
Hon. Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Youth, Sports and Transport, attended the inauguration ceremony of Mobility ADO’s daily bus service between Belize and Cancun in Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico, on August 4.
Traffic
Ministry of Transport and Belmopan City Council Host First National Traffic Conference
The three-day conference focused on streamlining and standardizing traffic management systems across municipal and national authorities. Traffic managers will develop a new Handbook of National Policies and Procedures for the issuance of driving licenses and vehicle registration and licensing, as mandated by the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act.
Traffic
Taxi operators report unfair treatment from traffic officers at Central Park
The competition between taxi operators and golf cart rentals at Central Park has been an ongoing issue that led to the intervention of the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) in the past. Taxi drivers who visit Central Park to pick up water taxi passengers at busy times have reported that traffic wardens do not allow them to park. In contrast, golf cart rentals are reportedly allowed to stay and solicit.
Traffic
Department of Transport partners with Caye Caulker Village Council and Belize Police Department to Conduct Traffic Enforcement during Lobster Fest Weekend
The Department of Transport is partnering with the Caye Caulker Village Council and the Belize Police Department to conduct rigorous traffic enforcement in Caye Caulker during the Lobster Fest weekend from July 14th to 16th, 2023. The enforcement exercise will ensure compliance with the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, with the overall goal of reducing road traffic incidents caused by driving under the influence of alcohol or reckless driving.
Accidents & Disasters
Large trucks in San Pedro Town continue to be an issue for residents
The issue regarding large trucks in downtown San Pedro Town and other parts of the island continues to be a daily concern as many residents voice their discontent, calling on local authorities to take further measures. Over the past few days, some residents have reported traffic accidents involving these large vehicles, fearing that a tragedy may occur if the issue is not addressed. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) had previously set a schedule for large vehicles (dump and cargo trucks) to alleviate traffic and potential accidents. According to the SPTC, this schedule has not changed; however, those concerned about the traffic problem say regulation needs to be enforced.
Government
Use of Electric Motorcycles (Scooters) in Belize
The Department of Transport hereby advises all owners of electric motorcycles (scooters), that it is unlawful to operate such vehicles on any public road, unless the vehicle has been registered and licensed, and the driver is in possession of a valid driver’s license with the appropriate class to operate a motorcycle. Persons operating electric motorcycles (scooters) are also required to wear protective helmets and eye protectors.
Community and Society
Boca del Rio Bridge reconstruction almost complete!
The Sir Barry Bowen Bridge rebuilding in the Boca del Rio area is almost complete. Mayor Gualberto 'Wally' Nuñez shared that a formal inauguration would occur after all works on the structure are finalized in the coming weeks.
Government
GOB releases new standards for public transportation
The current administration came into power in November 2020. As soon as the new Government of Belize (GOB) settled down, the different ministries started working on their plans. One of those government branches is the Ministry of Transport. With the Honourable Rodwell Ferguson, one of their aims was to modernize public transportation in the country. The ministry worked on the requirements, and after almost three years, the standards to fully update the country's public transit were released on Thursday, February 16th.
