The Works and Transport Ministry says any conduct or behaviour that amounts to interference with the powers of a Traffic Warden and an obstruction in the execution of their duty must be condemned and dealt with in accordance with the law.
Its statement follows yesterday’s incident in which a traffic warden was physically challenged and handcuffed by an off-duty police officer in Port of Spain.
The Ministry reminds that under the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 48:50, a Traffic Warden is appointed by the Police Commissioner to assist in the control and regulation of road traffic and enforcement of road traffic laws.
A Traffic Warden in uniform also has the authority to issue Fixed Penalty Notices to motorists for traffic violations.
The Ministry says section 10A(3) of the Act states that: “any driver who fails to comply with the directions given by a Traffic Warden while on duty or obstructs a Traffic Warden in the execution of his duty, or aids or incites any other person not to comply with the directions of a Traffic Warden or to obstruct a Traffic Warden in the execution of his duty, is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for six months”.
It says it is now awaiting the outcome of the investigation into this matter.
The TTPS says the police officer in question has been suspended pending the outcome of an investigation.
The TTPS’ Professional Standards Bureau is leading enquiries into the incident.
