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Traffic Management is one of the greatest concerns of the Traffic Department and much of our efforts are directed towards the reduction of accidents through public awareness programmes designed to sensitize the public in areas of accident prevention.

The Traffic Department which formed part of the Mobile Division was established in 1932 during the tenure of office of Colonel Wm. S. Dickens, Inspector General of Police. This development occurred as a result of the steady increase in the numbers of mechanically propelled vehicles on the road. The Service in an effort to keep pace with the technological developments introduced this specialized branch. The department is now part of the Operations Support Division.

Its primary functions were the control of traffic and the investigation of accidents. Its other responsibilities included the issuing and renewal of all drivers’ licenses, the examination of all applicants for driving licenses and maintenance of records.

The incidental functions of processing all applications for summonses for traffic offenses fell to this department. The force has been relieved of some of these duties by the Licensing Authority.

The first recorded road fatality was on Friday May 13th, 1909 when Sarah Worrell of Martindales Road died at the general Hospital as a result of a collision with a car on Constitution Road near Queens Park.

The Police Force acquired its first vehicle, a land rover in 1909 and a motorcycle two years later. The formation of the branch saw the acquisition of twelve FV8 type station wagons and two motorcycles. By 1946 an additional five vans were acquired to replace those worn and unserviceable. Gradually the stock of motor vehicles have increased and today we have cars, vans, lorries, buses, motorcycles and mobile units.

The Motor Transport Department was developed and entrusted with the responsibilities of the transport requirements of the force. This department can boast of a mechanic workshop for the maintenance and repair of the vehicles.

The Traffic Department’s efforts are geared to minimize the loss of life and injury to persons on our roads. In doing so, appropriate enforcement of the law will not be overlooked, but through our public relation programmes, efforts will be intensified to encourage a substantial section of the motoring public against displaying a flagrant disregard for traffic laws and for other persons using the road.