Operation Vega Update for February 2023

Acting Superintendent Robert Cardwell, Tactical Operations Division – “For the month of February 2023, recorded traffic infractions were down in all categories when compared to January 2023. The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) continues to progress Operation Vega under the ethos of calming the roads and making the roads safer, while holding those who commit traffic offences accountable.

Injuries in both fatal and serious injury collisions are consistently attributable to head injury. As part of the investigation into these matters, we are specifically looking at helmets, to determine if improper use or sub-standard helmets are contributing to these injuries. We encourage all to inspect your helmets. If they are damaged in any way, it is imperative that they are replaced.

The BPS continues to receive reports from members of the public who have suffered a bad driving experience. This includes careless overtaking, such as overtaking on the inside, being cut off and cycles encroaching to the opposite side of the road. We encourage all to reflect on their own driving behaviour and ensure that you are not adding to the problem.

Instances of impaired driving continues to be of concern. 27 people were arrested for this offence in February with 11 of those in an advertised road side sobriety testing weekend.

This compares to 14 motorists that were arrested in January. If you drink – do not drive, the life you save might be your own.”

Statistics

During the month of February 2023, 358 traffic tickets were issued, down from 490 in the previous reporting period. In addition, in this reporting period 56 motorist advice notices (official written warnings) were issued, down from 73 in the previous reporting period.

105 parking tickets were also issued, down from 240 in the previous reporting period.

For the first two months of this year (January & February 2023), 41 impaired drivers were arrested. That compares to 23 for the same period in 2022.

Since the start of Operation Vega (6^th July 2021), a total of 8,923 traffic tickets have been issued.

The breakdown of ticketed traffic offences for February 2023 is below. The change compared to the previous reporting period is provided in brackets.

• Speeding                                      222 (-32) Speeds ranged from 58 kph to 94 kph.
• Traffic sign                                    52 (-13)
• Unlicensed vehicle                      24 (-22) 
• No third party insurance            21 (-14)
• No driver’s licence                       17 (-28)
• Manner of driving                          5 (+1)
• Disqualified driver                         0 (-2)
• Seatbelt                                           2 (-2)
• Helmet                                            8 (+3)
• Handheld device                           3 (-12)
• Defective vehicle                           2 (0)
• Fail to give name/address            0 (0)
• Fail to stop                                      2 (+2)
• Fraudulent documents                 0 (-1)
• Making false statement               0 (-1)
• License plate offence                   0 (-4)
• Tint offence                                   0 (-7)
• Youth license offence                  0 (0)