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I recently listened to a parliamentary debate on the motion to confirm the Excise Duty (Tobacco Products) (Amendment) Orders, the Excise Duty (Alcoholic Beverages) (Amendment) Orders, and the Customs (Import Duty) (Caricom) (Amendment) Order, 2025. During the debate, the Member for Diego Martin West spoke about the Government’s removal of the demerit point system, which had been implemented by the previous PNM administration. His remarks sparked my reflection on the practical impact of these measures and what they mean for road safety, public health, and responsible governance. The demerit point system, though intended to promote safer driving, was not a policy that appeared to have been thoroughly conceptualised. While it may have played a role in reducing road fatalities, its structure also created an environment where citizens felt more financially burdened than behaviourally guided. The fines and penalties attached to the system became a source of frustration for many drivers, who viewed it less as a safety mechanism and more as a method of generating government revenue. The perception that the policy prioritised income over impact undermined public confidence and led to questions about whether it truly achieved its intended goals. When the current Government removed the demerit point system and instead moved toward amending excise duties, it appeared to signal a more pragmatic and balanced approach. Increasing taxes on products such as tobacco and alcoholic beverages, for instance, can serve multiple public policy objectives. Firstly, such increases may help to reduce excessive consumption of harmful products, which contributes to public health issues and road accidents. Secondly, these measures generate revenue in a more transparent and socially responsible manner, targeting consumption rather than punishing individual infractions. Raising excise duties on alcohol, in particular, sends an important message about responsible behaviour. When alcohol becomes more expensive, consumers are naturally encouraged to moderate their intake. This, in turn, can lead to fewer cases of impaired driving, which continues to be one of the leading causes of road fatalities in Trinidad and Tobago. The link between alcohol consumption and dangerous driving is well established, and policies that indirectly discourage overconsumption can play a significant role in saving lives. Furthermore, the increase in fines for traffic violations also encourages more discipline among drivers. While some may view such increases as burdensome, they are necessary to cultivate a sense of accountability on the nation’s roads. Citizens must recognise that driving is not merely a privilege but a responsibility that comes with obligations to other road users. The introduction of higher penalties for traffic offences signals that reckless behaviour will not be tolerated and that road safety must remain a national priority. What distinguishes this new approach from the demerit point system is that it is both preventive and corrective. The demerit system primarily focused on punishing drivers after offences occurred, while the new framework seeks to create conditions that reduce the likelihood of those offences in the first place. By targeting the root causes of risky behaviour such as alcohol misuse and reinforcing the consequences of lawbreaking through financial deterrents, the Government is promoting a more holistic and sustainable model for improving road safety. Critics may argue that increasing taxes on alcohol and tobacco unfairly affects responsible consumers. However, public policy must often balance individual convenience with collective welfare. In the long run, if such measures lead to fewer accidents, reduced healthcare costs, and greater societal awareness about personal responsibility, then the benefits far outweigh the short-term inconveniences. The ultimate goal is not to punish citizens but to protect them, ensuring that every driver, passenger, and pedestrian can move about safely and confidently. From an economic standpoint, this shift also represents a smarter revenue-generation strategy. Rather than relying on traffic penalties that depend on non-compliance, the Government is turning to consumption-based taxes that are more stable and predictable. This kind of fiscal reform reflects an understanding that responsible governance is not just about collecting funds but about doing so in ways that promote the overall well-being of citizens. As I reflect on the parliamentary debate, it is evident that the country is taking steps toward a more balanced and safety-oriented system. The removal of the demerit point system may initially seem like a step backward, but in reality, it opens the door for more effective and equitable measures. Increasing excise duties on products known to impair judgment, while simultaneously raising penalties for lawbreaking, represents a comprehensive approach to creating a culture of responsibility. The author holds a BSc in Political Science from The University of the West Indies.
