If you use Belize';s highways any at all, you've certainly seen those B-Plates skating around at all hours and on weekends. Well, the man we call the Car Czar, Ashton Longsworth of the The Asset and Utilities Management Unit today sent out a directive telling government drivers to park those rides after hours and on weekends.
The stern directive says, quote, "GOB vehicles driven after 6:30 PM or on weekends must carry an Authorization Form signed by the Designated Officer, Accounting Officer, or Chief Executive Officer of the respective Department/Ministry, vehicles without the required Authorization Form will be subject to impoundment by the Police or Transport Officer and may be escorted to the nearest police station. Authorization Forms must specify the assigned driver and the exact date(s) the vehicle will be used after 6:30 PM or on weekends. Authorization is valid for a maximum of one week, and forms issued for a month or longer will not be accepted." End quote.
An important footnote is that "These measures do not apply to Ministers, Chief Executive Officers, Emergency Vehicles, National Security, or officers with twenty-four-hour access privileges."
And the directive stressed, "GOB vehicles must not be used for personal use, transporting unauthorized persons, or being operated by individuals without proper authorization. During the holiday season, ALL GOB vehicles not required for official duties must be parked in designated parking areas or other secure locations." End quote.
Since the car czar has laid down the law - we'll see if the public keeps their cell phone cameras active to capture those B - plates skating around on weekend sprees.
