A Jamaican opposition lawmaker charged with perverting the course of justice is stepping aside from a party post.

Jamaica Labor Party legislator Daryl Vaz announced Wednesday that he is taking a leave of absence as the opposition's chief spokesman on information and communications technology issues. He says he wants to minimize any impact on the party.

Vaz is accused of breaching an anti-corruption law while intervening in a traffic violation involving a businessman friend.

He says he had no "ill intent" when he went to a police station and spoke to commanders about dropping a case against Bruce Bicknell. An officer believed Bicknell had tried to bribe him to get out of a ticket.

Vaz denies any wrongdoing and will continue to serve as a Parliament member.