Select categories of riders exempt from policy banning bikes after 5pm
The three-week ‘5 pm to 5 am’ ban placed on local bikes will not apply to a select category of riders while they are travelling to or from work.
This was the indication outlined in the Road Traffic (Restriction of Use of Motor Cycle) Regulations published in government’s official newsletter, the Gazette, on Thursday, June 4.
These categories of riders include security guards employed by a private security service provider, Customs and Immigration officers, as well as persons employed in the essential services.
Section 2 of the Virgin Islands Labour Code defines ‘essential services’ as workers employed in the police service, prison service, Water & Sewerage services, Fire & Rescue Service, electricity generation & distribution services, telecommunication services, healthcare providers, transportation services, and port services.
Penalty of up to $3K
In the meantime, the specific biking regulation states that “no person shall, between the hours of 5 pm to 5 am daily, drive a motorcycle on any road.”
The gazetted document further said persons who contravene this regulation “commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction (a conviction in the Magistrate’s Court) to a fine not exceeding $3,000”.
In a statement on Wednesday, Premier Andrew Fahie said the move is “for the safety and convenience” of the bikers and the wider public.
Mixed reactions
Since the announcement of the ban, there have been mixed reactions from the public. Some have condemned the decision while others have applauded the government but said the life of the policy was too short.
The ban will cease to apply on June 25, 2020.
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Good! I am glad. They are just up and down breaking traffic laws, making noise, it is so annoying. Leave the Ban on please.
Just listened to some wanker race up and down through West End on a very, very, loud motorbike for ten minutes – after 5pm.
No weeping if these were banned entirely. None. They earned what they got and more
I never realize what real peace feel like in years, was so used to the noise
Finally a step towards a civilised society. A step in the right direction.
there is noo developed country that has a policy like this.
Well then act like a developed citizen and stop riding up and down making noise in people’s head like an A$$
Seems they are also exempt from helmets by the look of the pictures…
I think the ban should be for the noisy Bikes only.
Well apparently mufflers are illegal but so many people have them. They should enforce those laws better
Good move Andrew. Next move should be to remove all those bikes that have been modified to terrorize neighborhoods.
Just remove the bikes that have a muffler. My bike has less noise than many cars. I use my bike for normal transportation and I drive responsible.
I assume you meant remove the bikes that “DONT” have a muffler; in which case I could agree with you
I was able to sleep like a baby last night. Let it be a permanent nightly ban. Thanks VIP. Good looking out.
Wow what peace of mind I had last night. What a peaceful evening. This just shows us one thing. The modified mufflers need to be remove from all bike. For this of us who have traveled to other counties where the use of motor bike are prevalent. Do you realize the noise problem is only common here in the BVI. I have not seen or heard this in any other country. Why can’t we get the problem under control. Why can’t a gov official serious address this problem?
Happens when you don’t spell check….* those and * seriously. My bad ?
I’m sure a ban won’t be possible long term but laws must start to be followed and those breaking them punished. Of the 3 photos above, 2 riders aren’t wearing helmets. Prosecute them! Install CCTV at the lights and prosecute those running red signals.
Also, deal with those that have modified to make the bikes noisier. Let’s take the Territory back from these noisy trouble makers whilst allowing the responsible riders to carry on in peace.
Chief, yo boi needs to wear a helmet
Banning things has never worked. This is ridiculous!