Vehicle Seizures Dominate ‘Operation Safe’ Passage Enforcement Drive

Up until Wednesday, February 18, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force said nine vehicles were towed and 28 tickets issued, while 35 traffic checks were conducted during the second week of Operation Safe Passage.

Officers also issued five warnings of intended prosecution for tint removal and three tint removal notices as part of the exercise.

The impounding of vehicles forms a central pillar of Operation Safe Passage, which officially commenced with a soft launch on Monday, February 9. The initiative targets the dangers associated with unlicensed public service vehicles and related road traffic offences, particularly the unsafe transportation of children.

During the first three days of the operation alone, 29 vehicles were removed from circulation. On Day One, 16 vehicles were towed. By the end of Day Three, officers had conducted 72 traffic checks, issued 18 tickets, eight warnings and removed two illegal tints, but it was the seizure of nearly 30 vehicles that underscored the zero-tolerance approach being adopted by police.

Operation Safe Passage was launched in response to growing concerns about passengers, especially children, being transported in unlicensed vehicles, including reports of children standing along roadways flagging down these operators.

Police established Vehicle Check Points (VCPs) led by the Traffic Enforcement Unit and supported by the Highway Patrol. However, officers reported that suspected illegal operators quickly adapted their tactics, dropping off passengers before reaching checkpoints and dispersing them on foot to avoid detection. By the third day, officers observed increased coordination between drivers and passengers.

Despite these evasive measures, vehicles continued to be seized based on supporting evidence gathered by officers.

Among those impounded during the second week were two public passenger vehicles found transporting school children in a dangerous and overcrowded manner near the Five Cays intersection. The drivers reportedly claimed they were transporting relatives, but officers found children sitting on other children, no seat belts in use and seating capacity exceeded.

Police emphasised that removing such vehicles from the road is critical to safeguarding children.

Under the Children (Care and Protection) Act 2020, officers have a mandatory duty to act in the best interest of the child. Additionally, under the Road Traffic Act 13:01, Section 45, no vehicle shall carry more persons than it is licensed to carry.

Tickets issued during the exercise included offences such as overcrowding, permitting a child under 14 to ride without a seatbelt, allowing children to sit on the middle console, failing to keep as far left as possible, excessive window tinting and the use of obscene language.

Police also noted that one male driver previously warned to remove illegal window tints was again found in violation, resulting in further enforcement action.

Despite mixed public sentiment, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has maintained that the seizure of vehicles operating illegally is necessary to deter unsafe practices and ensure compliance with the law.

Operation Safe Passage remains ongoing.

Parents are encouraged to verify that anyone transporting their children is properly licensed and authorised.