Too Many Vehicles, Says Thomas-Gaul
Former legislator Violet Thomas-Gaul has called on the government to consider restrictions on vehicle numbers in the Virgin Islands, citing increased traffic, reckless driving and ongoing roadworks. She pointed to Bermuda’s import and vehicle-size rules as a model and urged politicians to act without fear of electoral consequences.
Violet Thomas-Gaul told listeners on ZBVI 780 AM’s Talking Points that the British Virgin Islands is facing a growing vehicle problem after a recent experience with reckless drivers in Road Town. Thomas-Gaul said the number of cars and other vehicles on the Territory’s roads has reached an unsustainable level, worsened by ongoing roadworks across the islands.
She urged the government to consider passing legislation to restrict vehicle numbers, arguing that elected officials must “stop being afraid of not being re-elected” and take bold steps to address congestion and road safety. “We have too many cars, too many vehicles on this island, in this Territory,” she said during the broadcast.
Thomas-Gaul pointed to Bermuda as an example of a jurisdiction that has placed limits on vehicle imports and ownership. Her examples included restrictions on the number of private vehicles per household, limits on vehicle size because of narrow roads, requirements for pre-approval from a Transport Control Department before importing a vehicle, and enforceable speed limits.
Grange added that Bermuda also operates a robust public transport system, which helps reduce private car dependence. While Thomas-Gaul acknowledged that any move would require careful study, she said research and preparatory measures could make restrictions feasible in the BVI. “We can’t just say that’s the way it is and everybody needs a vehicle, everybody doesn’t need a vehicle,” she said, urging planners to develop alternatives before any policy is imposed.
Policy options often discussed in other territories include phased import controls, incentives for car-sharing and cleaner transport, improved and subsidised public transit, parking management, and vehicle-size or emissions standards. For the BVI, considerations would need to include the Territory’s geography, tourism needs, residents’ access to employment and services, and enforcement capacity.
Thomas-Gaul’s comments add to a growing public conversation about road safety, traffic management and infrastructure planning in the Territory. Any legislative changes would likely require public consultation and coordination with transport authorities, businesses and community stakeholders to balance safety, mobility and economic needs.
Primary source: VINO