The General Retailers and Traders Union (GRTU) yesterday welcomed the news that wardens will only issue warning for six traffic contraventions, in the case of a first time offence.

It said this was one of a number of initiatives it had discussed with the government, with the aim of “addressing the main problem on our roads.”

GRTU said it had always insisted on the need for responsible, yet reasonable enforcement which took the realities of our roads into consideration.

It agreed that those who abuse should be warned or even penalized, especially on issues concerning health and safety.

“While GRTU feels that enforcement should be based on serious offences, and not things that do not make sense, it will keep insisting on the need for a collective educational campaign, especially where it comes to alcohol and drug abuse and the use of mobile phones,” adding that it felt that the letter was not being given the importance it deserved.

It insisted that wardens should not be ticket-issuing officers but should also help those who are carrying out their duties but have no control over the situation. “Fines are a major running cost for enterprises that make use of the roads.”