Transport Authority to also improve accountability re vehicle seizure

Managing Director of the Transport Authority (TA), Ralston Smith, has said the new Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) policy relative to the seizure of motor vehicles has led to the TA also elevating its authorisation for such seizures, to ensure better accountability.

However, he did not provide specific details, saying a press release is to be issued on the changes at a later date.

The change that was outlined in the JCF’s Force Orders sees the rank of the officer authorising vehicle seizure being raised from sergeant to inspector in a bid to reduce, among other things, misuse of authority.

Smith, speaking at last week’s virtual meeting of the Transport Operators Development Sustainable Services (TODSS), said the new developments resulted in a meeting being held to formulate new measures on the TA's part.

"As you mention... the stance taken by the Commissioner (of Police, Dr Kevin Blake) and what was promulgated in the Force Orders in respect of seizures, the Transport Authority has taken note of this arrangement," said Smith.

"We're satisfied, however, that we have a much tighter arrangement in terms of our seizure policies and systems.

"Notwithstanding that, however, what we have done, and coming out of a meeting with the operations team and the operation leaders, the decision has been taken for us to elevate the authorisation for seizure," Smith informed.

He said the documentation relative to the seizure change on the TA's part should soon reach his desk, and the ratification of the process will follow.

"I don't want to speak to exactly what it (the process) is now because that (new) process will be ratified and a press release issued," Smith stated.

He said the new measure will lead to better accountability relative to vehicle seizures.

"So, we too... in ensuring that the accountability level is very high and very tight, have taken stock of it; and so that level of accountability will take care of all the other nuisances that are affecting the whole operations of seizures and wrecking of vehicles," said Smith.

He was quick to point out to a transport operator that there have not been many concerns by other operators in relation to the TA's motor vehicle seizure operations nationally, due to what he said is its "system of accountability".