Government Approves Demerit Point System for Taxi
The Ministry of Communication and Works has approved a Demerit Point System for taxi and livery drivers and authorised the Taxi and Livery Commission (TLC) to enforce it with immediate effect, the Government said in an official press release. The new framework sets out offences that attract demerit points, permanent record keeping, fines on conviction of up to $500, and — as reported by BVI News — specific suspension thresholds when drivers accumulate 100, 200 or 300 points within 12 months.
The Ministry of Communication and Works has approved the implementation of a Demerit Point System for drivers of taxi and livery motor vehicles and has authorised the Taxi and Livery Commission (TLC) to enforce the scheme with immediate effect, the Government said in an official press release.
The approval was granted pursuant to Regulations 8(1) and 8(3) of the Road Traffic (Taxi and Livery Commission) Regulations, 1997, as amended, the Government confirmed. The scheme is designed to record demerit points against operators for poor conduct or improper operation of transportation-for-hire motor vehicles and to promote safe, lawful and professional conduct in the industry.
Under the system, all taxi and livery operators will begin with a zero demerit point balance. Points will be issued for a range of offences, including non-compliance with regulations, unsafe driving practices, defects in vehicle condition, intoxication while on duty, speeding, licensing violations and other breaches related to taxi and livery services, the Government said.
Demerit points may be applied following criminal convictions, administrative findings by the TLC, or determinations of fault in traffic accidents. Points accrue cumulatively and may trigger disciplinary action if an operator accumulates points above prescribed thresholds within a 12-month period.
Newly reported details from BVI News further explain how suspensions will operate under the framework. According to that report, an operator who reaches 100 points within 12 months may face a one-month suspension; 200 points may result in a two-month suspension; and 300 points may lead to a three-month suspension or revocation of the licence.
Where a licence is revoked, the operator must satisfy the criteria of a new applicant before being considered for re-licensing (BVI News). The Government outlined possible measures the TLC may recommend, including warnings, mandatory remedial training, suspension and revocation of licences.
Points may be reduced after one year without violations or following successful completion of remedial conditions imposed by the Commission, the Government release added. Record keeping and transparency are central to the scheme. The TLC will maintain a permanent demerit point record for each licensed operator.
Operators may inspect their records and obtain copies upon payment of a prescribed fee, the Government said. Any person who breaches a provision of the approved Demerit Point System commits an offence and, upon conviction, is liable to a fine not exceeding Five Hundred Dollars (USD 500); convictions may also result in additional demerit points being applied, the Government noted.
The TLC, described in the release as the regulatory body for public transport, will oversee licences, enforce rules, conduct training (including service excellence), investigate complaints, and ensure compliance for taxis and livery services. The Commission will coordinate with entities such as the Government of the Virgin Islands and the Tourist Board to maintain standards, particularly for visitor transport.
Operators are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Demerit Point System and to comply fully with applicable laws and regulations. For further information the Government listed the Taxi and Livery Commission contact at 468-4090 or tlc@bvitaxiandlivery.org, general Government enquiries at 468-3701, and Information Officer Paul Bridgewater at 468-2747 or pbridgewater@gov.vg; international media enquiries may be sent to BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com and a WhatsApp contact of 1(284) 468-9760 was also provided.
Primary source: BVI Government