Heavier fines needed for seat belt offences - Frazer-Binns

Opposition Senator Sophia Frazer-Binns believes the proposed fine of $2,000 for failing to wear a seat belt is too small. 

“The reality of it, sir, is that because of the important role that the seat belt plays in restraining, I don’t think that the fine reflects the importance of it. Frazer-Binns told the Upper House yesterday during her contribution to the debate on the Road Traffic Bill yesterday.

"A fine of $2000, in my mind, is not sufficiently a deterrent for persons who choose not to wear their seat belt,” she argued.

Section 73 of the bill places a burden on the motorist to ensure that a child is placed in a restraint system. However, the senator believes that the fine for non-compliance needs to be increased.

She said, “I believe that it’s one thing if an adult decides not to wear his or her seat belt. But where an adult does not take the added task and ensure that a child wears the seat belt, then I think that the penalty ought to be more than $5000.”

The Gleaner asked Frazer-Binns about her recommendations for heavier fines, but she has not come to a position yet.

 “We have to take into consideration the person’s whole situation and hardship. So you don’t want to put a fine that will be difficult to pay. The aim is not to fine, the aim is to have compliance," she responded.

The debate on the bill, which was passed on February 6 in the House of Representatives, will continue in the Senate on a date to be determined.