Traffic Department to install more road signs

The Traffic Department of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force will be placing a number of road signs in strategic locations to ease the congestion of traffic throughout Kingstown and its environs.{{more}}

Superintendent Kenneth John, Head of the Traffic Department, disclosed that a traffic sign will be erected at the bypass route opposite Ken Thomas’ residence at Arnos Vale, and another will be placed at the Villa/Fountain route, which exits near to the Scott’s residence. The sign at McKie’s Hill that allows motorists to use that route to get out of Kingstown will now have a 30-minute extension for doing so, said John. He also explained that changes in road signs were also made at the entrance to Super J at Arnos Vale.

Explaining the changes, John said at present there is a ‘No Entry’ sign for omnibuses at the bypass route opposite Ken Thomas’ residence at Arnos Vale. However, several vehicles use the route and exit at the road near to Rent and Drive, creating a problem. He stated the new sign will read: “No Entry for Vehicle Traffic, Monday to Friday, between 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.” John said people residing in the immediate vicinity will not be affected.

Regarding the sign that will be erected at the Villa/Fountain route, leading to the road near to the Scott’s residence, John said this will also read, “No Entry for Vehicle Traffic, Monday to Friday, between 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.” Again, he made it clear that motorists residing in the vicinity will not be affected.

John said motorists who are going out of Kingstown and will be using the McKie’s Hill route, will see a sign allowing them to travel from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

“In the area of Super J, we observed vans exiting at the main entrance of the business and crossing over onto the Arnos Vale main road heading to Kingstown. A sign has been placed on the surface of the road indicating that vehicles cannot cross over near to the Super J entrance to gain access to the Kingstown route,” said John.

“At present, we want to sensitize the public. However, we want to send a strong warning to motorists to comply with the road signs,” the Head of the Traffic Department stated.

John said the new road signs are put in place for the safety of motorists and pedestrians alike.

The Traffic Department head said a study was done in 2012 on areas that were likely to create traffic congestion and the findings suggested that efforts should be made to improve the flow of traffic in the areas where the new signs will be placed.

Prior to all the signs being erected, Commissioner of Police Keith Miller and members of the Traffic Department will meet with residents of the communities where they will be placed.

The Traffic Department also used the opportunity to ask owners of motor vehicles to license and insure their vehicles, as well as ensure that these vehicles are road worthy.