More than 1,000 motorists were charged with speeding on the nation’s highways for the first six weeks of this year.

For the whole of 2005, 7,870 drivers were charged with speeding.

This is part on an ongoing zero tolerance campaign against delinquent motorists who, according to Traffic Chief, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Nazmul Hosein, are showing no regard for the traffic laws.

Last year, 61,638 drivers and car owners were charged with various traffic offences, ranging from defective vehicles, seat belts, and inconsiderate driving.

ACP Hosein noted that 75 pedestrians were killed while crossing the roads and 72 drivers died from various road accidents. Eleven minors also died in road accidents.

The road death figure for last year was 209 -- one more than in 2004.

Traffic cops are still using the outdated “stop watch” to “flag down” speeding drivers.

Government is moving to introduce legislation for the laser gun to replace the “stop watch”, and also the breathalyser, which according to Works and Transport Minister Colm Imbert are expected to come soon before Parliament.

Some of the causes of accidents include the driver losing control of his vehicle and speeding.

Hosein blamed jay walking for the number of people killed crossing the roads, most of them at nights.

“People are not using the zebra crossing and the traffic lights to cross the road,” he observed.

A campaign over the illegal use of the Priority Bus Route (PBR), which started last month, has, so far, netted 165 drivers, which included police officers, soldiers, coastguardsmen and some public officials.

Hosein said the number of unauthorised vehicles on the PBR is responsible for the traffic congestion of that roadway, especially in the peak hours of the day.

He also noted that around Carnival season, a number of people indulge in drinking and partying into the early hours of the morning.

He is advising drivers not to consume excessive alcohol to drive.