The San Pedro Traffic Department took part in a two-day training program on Traffic Safety that was held on Wednesday May 2nd and Thursday May 3, 2012 from 8am through 3pm. This training was held in keeping with the Department of Transport's Mission, which is a commitment in developing, promoting and regulating a viable and modern transportation sector through efficient traffic management, human resource development and community participation in order to achieve the highest attainable level of public safety.
The training was spearheaded by councilor responsible for Traffic, Mr. Kenrick Brackett and facilitated by Officer in Charge of the San Pedro Police Department, ASP Vienie Robinson. It focused on the main responsibilities of the Traffic Wardens as well as the law as it pertains to driving in Belize.
Brackett commented, "I don't believe these traffic wardens have had much training, and then we have two new ones and one volunteer. We believe this training will bear a lot of fruits. No more excuses. People will be ticketed. I believe that we have given a lot of warnings already."
The wardens were trained on the specific functions which are to direct the flow of traffic, to enforce the parking regulations, the enforcement of the traffic violation system and how to investigate and prosecute traffic accidents, especially when it comes to Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
Officers from the San Pedro Police Department also joined in the training. ASP Robinson spoke of the training and the department's participation, "This workshop is to provide the department of transport personnel with the skills and knowledge that will assist them to be able to perform their duties as traffic wardens. It is mainly to assist the traffic department. We are looking at their role as traffic wardens. We are looking at what goes on at the vehicle check points. We are looking at this whole issue of the traffic violation ticket. We are looking at how to give evidence in court and that type of thing." The training served as a refresher course for the police officers who took part.
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