Speed-detection cameras for Mandela Highway - Holness

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has called for speed-detection technology to be installed along the Mandela Highway in St Catherine during the expansion of the road to a six-lane dual carriageway.

"I'm not certain whether or not the design plans call for speed-detection cameras, but I am going to ask, to see whether or not those speed-detecting technologies, and not just detection of speed, but detection of the licence plate of the driver, that those be pre-installed on the road so we can catch those persons who are reckless in their driving," he said while delivering the main address at the contract-signing ceremony for the project yesterday.

The Mandela Highway Rehabilitation Project will be carried out by China Harbour Engineering Company and financed by the China Ex-Im Bank. The expansion of the highway will improve traffic flow, with three lanes going in either direction separated by a concrete barrier.

CAUTIONING SPEEDSTERS

Holness has moved to caution commuters about speeding on the expanded highway when it is complete.

"The widening of this road is not an invitation for speeding. The road can accommodate a speed of 96km; the legal limit for travel on this road is 80km maximum," he added.

Minister of State for Works in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Everald Warmington has said that the project is necessary given the increase in traffic along the Mandela Highway.

The highway carries 70,000 motor vehicles per day and is used more than any other major thoroughfare in Jamaica.

Warmington indicated that the Chinese have committed to using locally sourced materials for the project.

Chinese Ambassador Niu Qingbao, who was also a witness to the contract signing, expressed confidence in the ability of China Harbour to deliver the project in a timely manner. He also characterised the project as a good model of public-private partnership.