AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Belize Life Living in Belize BZ$ 50.00 Fine for helping a friend.

IMO, The real issue is that the stop sign is not in a logical place (in the South we would call this a "Speed Trap"). Am thinking that this is an easy way for the Gov't to increase revenues, but extremely short-sighted...

I have also observed Tourists getting stopped by 4-5 traffic wardens while locals are free to go through. Tourists are new to the Island and "fresh meat" for ticketing. Not a good impression of our Island for sure!

Ok here is my opinion on this matter, a stop sign should not be placed at a roundabout, the idea of having a roundabout is to keep traffic flowing, the sign should be a yield sign so that traffic must be prepared to stop if other traffic is on the roundabout. I have told the traffic dep't about this and was told they will change the sign, when they will do it remains to be seen. never the less, if a stop sign is displayed be it right or wrong, the driver must obey the sign. I have noticed that there are a few more signs that have been put up that are either in the wrong place or are the wrong sign, but still the driver has to obey the sign. the easiest way to fight the ticket is go to court and show that the sign is in the wrong place.

I believe a lot of the flak you received started with how you worded the topic. Don't see how you were helping a friend by running a stop sign. Maybe ran the stop sign to see if only tourists (all your friends, of course) get stopped? It's not like they are saying you ran the stop sign when you did not. Even if they are targeting tourists, don't run the stop sign. Simple.

What happens if you dont pat the ticket?

And further to the tourists being stopped: Tourists should especially be mindful of the law. Just because we are concerned with the tourists' impression of our island is certainly not a reason for the traffic wardens to look the other way when the tourists' overinflated sense of entitlement leads to them not observing the law. Locals? Another story. But as guests in their country we already know there are different standards...doesn't make it right, but it is what it is, so be mindful.

Unfortunately if there is not a stop sign at that corner someone is eventually going to get t-boned and killed going over to Ritchie's or into the road to San Juan. I had numerous close calls there before the sign was up and, going by roundabout rules, I had the right of way every time. A certain politician almost t-boned me and gave me a dirty look like I had cut him off even though he was clearly in the wrong.

How is the fine money collected and accounted for? What pot does it go into?

SeaShell - did you mean pocket? LOL

Why am I still surprised that people comment on things they know nothing about? And I do appreciate those who do understand.

I happen to know that Inpub lived here for many years and was gone for a few. Welcome Home.

I also know that stopping at stop signs was never enforced. Suddenly - without warning - we have racial profiling. For those of you who never go north of the town core the round-about is about the worst traffic design imaginable; it isn't even in the middle of the road. However, with a lot education and some clear signage most people coming from the south do go around it. For bicycles and motor cycles.

The stop sign is placed at the intersection of the main road and a small side street. Reason would say that the side street traffic should have to stop and wait for the through traffic entering the round-about. BUT NO - the sign is on the main street - has been there as long as I can remember and people only stop if there is a need to.

There is also a stop sign at the corner of the RC school and traffic coming from Tropic Air never stops there if they are turning right towards front street. Conversely the opposite end of that street (facing Tropic Air) is obeyed only if traffic is crossing in front of them. There are never traffic wardens at these places.

The round-about is a convenient place for the three officers to park in front of Richie's store, visit with each other and friends who come by and wave to others.

Maybe we should post a sign a block back simply saying 'WARNING'. Maybe it could serve as a heads up.

Now - all of you with axes - grind away.

Roundabouts are becoming more common
in the U.S. because they provide safer and
more efficient traffic flow than standard
intersections. By keeping traffic moving one-way
in a counterclockwise direction, there are fewer
conflict points and traffic flows smoothly.
Crash statistics show that roundabouts
reduce fatal crashes about 90%, reduce
injury crashes about 75%, and reduce overall
crashes about 35%, when compared
to other types of intersection control.
When driving a roundabout, the same
general rules apply as for maneuvering
through any other type of intersection.

Steps for driving a roundabout:
1. Slow down. Obey traffic signs.
2. Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists.
3. Yield to traffic on your left
already in the roundabout.
4. Enter the roundabout when
there is a safe gap in traffic.
5. Keep your speed low
within the roundabout.
6. As you approach your exit,
turn on your right turn signal.
7. Yield to pedestrians and
bicycles as you exit.

If people don't know the rules maybe they should not drive ???

Incorrect statement:

"There is also a stop sign at the corner of the RC school and traffic coming from Tropic Air never stops there if they are turning right towards front street. Conversely the opposite end of that street (facing Tropic Air) is obeyed only if traffic is crossing in front of them. There are never traffic wardens at these places."

A load of crap:

" Suddenly - without warning - we have racial profiling."

Totally correct:

" For those of you who never go north of the town core the round-about is about the worst traffic design imaginable; it isn't even in the middle of the road."