Citizens have their say at Police Customer Appreciation Day

Second in charge of the Traffic Department of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), Sergeant Wendell Corridon, is appealing to motorists to exercise greater responsibility on the nation’s roads following several concerns raised by citizens during a public engagement yesterday, March 5, 2025 hosted by the department. The issues were highlighted during the Customer Appreciation Day organized by the Traffic Department, where members of the public were invited to share concerns and experiences regarding road use, traffic behaviour, and other challenges affecting daily commuting across St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

The initiative was aimed at strengthening the relationship between the police and the public while providing an opportunity for citizens to directly voice concerns about traffic-related matters.

During an interview with SEARCHLIGHT Sgt Corridon spoke about some of the main complaints that were repeatedly raised by residents over the past week.

“Some of the issues that arose were the traffic in Arnos Vale…and where some people park in Randy’s which causes the road way to be narrow.”

He explained that the situation in the Arnos Vale area continues to be a concern for motorists and pedestrians, particularly during busy commute hours.

Sgt Corridon said improper parking along sections of the roadway has contributed significantly to the problem, as vehicles when parked in undesignated areas reduce the width of the road and slow down the traffic. He is asking motorists to stop engaging in this behaviour, noting that cooperation from drivers is essential in maintaining order and safety on the roads.

The officer also noted that several other concerns were raised by citizens during the appreciation day engagement which was held at the Central Police Station.

Among them were complaints about reckless driving, improper parking in busy business areas, and instances where public service vehicles drop off passengers in locations that are not designated stops. In some cases, passengers have reportedly been dropped off at locations further away from their intended destinations, forcing them to walk along busy roads. These practices, the officer noted, can create unnecessary hazards for both passengers and other road users. Another issue frequently mentioned by members of the public was the playing of excessively loud music from both public service and private vehicles while operating in public spaces. Sgt Corridon said there have been numerous complaints in the past about this issue particularly happening in areas close to schools and businesses.

“I am promising that from here on in, we will put more measures in place…” for “this situation”.

The traffic officer also emphasized the importance of obeying traffic signs and signals, particularly stop signs, which some drivers often ignore.

He said the department has received reports that certain motorists continue to drive through stop signs without slowing or stopping, thus placing other drivers and pedestrians at risk. He is asking people to stop at the stop signs saying that police officers will also be placed on the roads to ensure compliance.

The officer said the Traffic Department intends to step up its monitoring and enforcement activities in the coming weeks. He also is encouraging members of the public to continue working with the police by reporting incidents of reckless or dangerous driving when it occurs.