The Aruban government is preparing a comprehensive plan to restore order and safety on the island’s roads after years of neglect under previous administrations. Minister of Justice, Integration, and Public Transportation Arthur Dowers announced that concrete measures will be presented to the public in the coming days.
Dowers stated that the current government inherited widespread neglect across the island’s infrastructure and traffic management. One of the most visible problems has been the lack of regulation around electric scooters on public roads.
A traffic commission has been formed, and a meeting held last week laid the groundwork for the steps the government intends to take. Dowers announced that a press conference scheduled for Tuesday morning will unveil a management plan covering all types of vehicles operating on Aruba’s roads.
The Minister specifically addressed the chaos caused by scooter riders in residential neighborhoods, describing the situation as one that terrorizes certain communities. While existing laws could address the problem, Dowers expressed the view that certain legal provisions may need to be enforced more strictly.
“What these scooter riders are doing on the roads puts themselves and others in danger,” Dowers said. He pointed to Palomarga as the appropriate location for recreational riding, urging riders to use that facility instead of public streets where they endanger the elderly, people with health conditions, and young children.
“We are sending a clear message that this situation will no longer be tolerated,” the Minister stated. “We are a small island where everyone needs to behave responsibly so we can live in a more orderly manner. It is a shame that things have gotten this out of hand in Aruba.”
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