The motoring public wishes to propose variable speed limits– 120km/h on long, open stretches of highway, 100km/h approaching simple highway intersections, 80km/h approaching complex highway intersection areas and 60km/h at complex intersections. Jamaica, uses 110km/h for longer highways and isn't far from Japan which posts 80-100km/h on highways. 50km/h is sensible in built up areas, some countries have also reviewed this to 30km/h in school zones and housing areas, and to 60km/h in desolate, off-highway areas. Modern and recent vehicles are safer in crashes (in comparison to those available when these laws were passed) at these speeds, and the TTPS is now equipped and legally allowed to enforce our existing speed limits.

The same 80-120km/h limits are presently enforced with radar guns and cameras in Spain where road maintenance and conditions are similar to ours. In the USA, speed limits have been increased to 70-80mph (113-130km/h) on longer open highways to mitigate the risk of drivers falling asleep or tuning out. 

Also See: https://www.gov.uk/speed-limits
And: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_limits_in_the_United_States
And: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_limits_by_country

We are not advocating lawlessness but are lobbying for reasonable modernisation of our laws, processes, infrastructure and a holistic approach to this issue. The present 80km/h (50mph) limit on long highways is frustrating and potentially unsafe. Enforcement is a step in the right direction but enforcement at 80km/h as the complete highway limit is a partially backward step as people struggle to adjust at this time. The reality is that thousands of people in Trinidad & Tobago have been safely commuting for decades at 100-120km/h on average on existing roads and using existing infrastructure, which is constantly and gradually updated.

Drivers of pickups have also expressed interest in having their limits revised or a further distinction made in the law regarding trucks and pickups, some of which may be commercially used, while also filling a role as standard passenger transportation. Most comments indicate that 80-100km/h would not be unreasonable, however some pickups have had documented challenges in passing the international 70mph (113km/h) "Moose Test". Some truck owners have also voiced concerns that they are unable to get into their top cruising gear for maximum efficiency at 65km/h and have observed that they have to run their engines harder in a lower gear to maintain the speed limit. We agree that further discussion and examination is needed to come up with a solution for T- and Heavy T vehicles.

So, what will this process actually involve for our country?
This is a loaded petition. And as you will realise from the information below, it's not as simple as it looks, but we have to start somewhere if this is the change we want.

[Mike Shand, on facebook says]
"Methodologies for setting speed limits typically are designed to result in recommended speed limits that:
• Are related to crash risk;
• Provide a reasonable basis for enforcement;
• Are fair in the context of traffic law; and
• Are accepted as reasonable by a majority of road users.
• The selected methodology is generally applicable on all road types and capable of being implemented with existing resources.

Factors that affect safe speeds along roadways, and also influence the speed selected by motorists, include:
• A vehicle's mechanical condition and characteristics;
• Driving ability/capabilities;
• Traffic volume: vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles;
• Weather and visibility;
• Roadway design elements, including:
• Road function/purpose;
• Lane and shoulder width;
• Horizontal and vertical curves;
• Available sight distances;
• Driveways with restricted visibility and other roadside developments;
• High driveway density;
• Rural residential or developed areas; and
• Paved or improved shoulders.
• Pavement conditions; and
• Crash frequency and severity.

We also understand that the TTPS is also planning to have overt and covert forms of enforcement which will allow ticketing to be automated using speed cameras etc. The data will be linked to a TTPS/licensing office database and ultimately to cars and drivers. So there's more to come on the enforcement side of things. We also hear that the licensing office is making strides with the said database and there may be further changes coming for motorists, regarding driver licensing and vehicle registration.

In T&T, because the focus is obeying the law, little or no leeway will be given in Trinidad & Tobago beyond the speed limit. We are expecting the TTPS to charge from 1-3km/h upwards of any posted speed limit. At the proposed 120km/h, people can safely cruise at 100km/h, with the flexibility to overtake at speeds up to 120km/h, all within the proposed limit.

The enforcement side of the equation is coming together, it's up to us to lobby for the rest. So please sign the petition unless you wish to remain limited to 80km/h forever.