Re: Old Vehicles In Trinidad & Tobago
First off, I own an old car. It works well enough for its age, but it can at least pass an inspection which is more than I can say about many a car in this country. Again it comes down to enforcement of laws in Trini. My take is this, in the event of a nationwide cleanup of decrepit vehicles, there should also be put in place a standardized valuation system for said used vehicles that those who can't afford new could at least be given a fair price on older or used cars. Regulation of the insurance companies as well would eliminate many vehicles from being on the road as we find policies being renewed on these vehicles without any company even seeing it.
Here is what I think would be a proper procedure for regulation of motor vehicles in Trinidad and Tobago.
First of all a standard valuation system for new and old cars alike based on the cost of the vehicle (cost of importation for RoRo), mechanical road worthiness (brake, suspension, engine, transmission, etc) and cosmetic appearance (lights, body panels, rust, etc).Creature comforts should have little bearing on this valuation but are necessary to deem the car roadworthy (seatbelts, fabric/leather seats, radio, etc).
Secondly, the inspection process needs to be more stringent in its application and enforcement. Yes we have a system in place for inspection but it needs to be improved on. Emissions testing should be put into effect in Trinidad so that proper tuning and maintenance can be a staple for all vehicle owners. Would eliminate all the black smoking diesel and gas cars on the road.
Next, after all is said and done with getting the car ready for the road, insurance companies should do a visual inspection of each vehicle (basically take pictures) which is accompanied by the valuation and inspection report for the vehicle in question. This eliminates the guessing game that we play with the companies when we say we have no accident to report.
If something like this is made mandatory in the months leading up to the yearly renewal of insurance, then owners would take better care of their vehicles and take more derelict cars off the road.
Think about it, getting b14's for what they are actually worth after a proper depreciated valuation. Newer cars would be cheaper without dealer markup. Less cars on the roads, means less traffic. Yes it may put certain persons out of a mode of transport, but at the end of the day it needs to be done.
To eliminate the lack of personal transportation, an efficient and effective public transportation system (preferably one that is available 24/7) should be put into place. But that's another discussion all on its own
