Excessive speeding continues to be one of the leading causes of fatal crashes in Jamaica, prompting renewed efforts to strengthen road safety enforcement. On May 12, 2026, five new laser speed guns were handed over to the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB) by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) through the UN Road Safety Project. Valued at approximately half a million dollars, the equipment will enhance the ability of the Jamaica Constabulary Force to detect, deter, and prevent dangerous speeding, particularly in high‑risk areas.
The new devices, which capture both speed measurements and video evidence, will improve the quality of prosecutions and consistency of enforcement. This initiative is part of Jamaica’s broader Safe Systems approach under the Second Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030, which aims to reduce traffic fatalities by 50 percent. Encouragingly, Jamaica has already recorded a 29 percent decrease in road deaths this year compared to the same period in 2025.
The handover builds on earlier support to strengthen Jamaica’s breathalyzer program, which included 52 breathalyzers and related equipment valued at J$8 million. This expansion enabled more frequent roadside checkpoints, with a 40 percent increase in alcohol testing nationwide in 2025. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Acting) Lloyd Darby reported that breath testing activity and detection rates rose significantly, with over 15,700 motorists tested in 2025 compared to 8,500 in 2024.
Together, the expanded suite of enforcement tools will help PSTEB identify and prosecute risky driving behaviors such as speeding and impaired driving, which remain major contributors to serious crashes. PAHO/WHO Representative Ian Stein emphasized that the initiative represents more than just equipment—it is an investment in injury prevention, lives saved, and communities protected.
The project is supported by the United Nations Road Safety Fund and involves collaboration with the National Road Safety Council, the Island Traffic Authority, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and the Jamaica Constabulary Force. Oversight is provided by PAHO/WHO, ensuring that Jamaica’s road safety efforts align with international best practices while protecting vulnerable road users.
