The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has recorded a dramatic decrease in road fatalities, with deaths falling by more than 50% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year.

Commissioner Garde attributes this progress to intensified enforcement efforts, including the deployment of additional officers and aggressive road safety strategies.

Between January and March 2024, police issued 3,882 traffic tickets, which is more than double the 1,812 tickets recorded in the same period in 2023.

“We’ve seen sustained more than 90% adherence to road safety laws. Before, the statistics would show that during traffic checks, we intercepted many more violators. Now we’re seeing that over 90% of road users are complying, and that’s what the statistics are showing.”

According to the Commissioner, the force had to adopt more aggressive tactics to respond to increasing traffic volumes and accident rates. Over 6,000 tickets have been issued so far this year, a move Garde says has had a direct impact on lowering traffic-related deaths.

“We had to employ some more aggressive road safety and law enforcement strategies. And I’m happy to report that the death toll has dropped from 15 in the same period last year to six this year. That’s a result of making road safety a top priority.”

As the island continues to see a rise in registered vehicles, the RSLPF says it will maintain its heightened enforcement approach while continuing public awareness campaigns to reinforce safe driving practices.