Show consideration to other road users

Fri, May 30, 2014

Editor: I read with some surprise and not a small degree of incredulity the article in local newspapers last weekend wherein Mr Bacchus was demanding special concessions for van drivers.{{more}}

It is my opinion and perhaps that of other road users, that before he demands special concessions for his members, they should show consideration to other road users.

To expand upon this, I would direct the following comments both to Mr Bacchus and, where applicable, to whoever heads the traffic department of the police force.

In general, Mr Bacchus is asking for special import conditions regarding tyres. These are, I assume, the “fat” tyres that appear to be fitted to most vans. When these tyres were first introduced into the UK, the Motor Industry Research Association (MIRA) conducted very exhaustive tests to define the positive/negative uses of these tyres. The results showed that the negative factors outweighed the positive factors. The MIRA results showed that these “fat” tyres had a detrimental effect on the handling and performance of the fitted vehicle. The results show that these tyres increased fuel usage, since while their design gave more adhesion to the road, this extra adhesion meant that more engine power had to be used to control/steer these tyres, which resulted in a detrimental effect on fuel economy. Also, another factor attributed to this extra adhesion was that the tyres tended to wear out quicker, due to the enforced wear and gave a more uncomfortable ride to the passengers. Thus, it appears that these tyres are not as efficient as Mr Bacchus maintains and are expensive to use.

In this matter, I would point out that both Nissan and Toyota have been producing this type of van for decades and if they thought that such tyres would enhance the performance, handling and passenger comfort of the vehicle, they would fit them before they left the production line. The fact that they do not, speaks for itself. So, if Mr Bacchus and the rest of his members want to fit these tyres (for vanity purposes), then let them do what the rest of the motoring public in SVG has to do, which is pay the full market price.

I would also ask why most, if not all van drivers, will spend an untold amount of dollars to achieve a custom paint job, fat tyres, wide wheels and a knockout stereo system for no other purpose than personal vanity or cosmetic reasons, but will not spend one per cent of that amount either on front/rear bulbs (which are damaged) or a bottle of engine cleaner to prevent myself and other road users from being choked by the noxious fumes expelled from these vehicles due to blatant lack of maintenance.

Why is it when, as I understand it, there is a rule that vehicles should not approach any more than 15ft close to the vehicle in front, that when a van approaches the rear of my vehicle and I observe in the rear-view mirror that it is so close that I cannot see either the registration plate or even the headlights?

Why do vans think that they can ignore traffic cues, jump the queue and speed up on the wrong side of the road, thus endangering not only oncoming traffic, but their own passengers and then expect to be let back into the traffic queue by a vague wave of the hand.

In particular, I now would refer to the current situation concerning the diversion slip road from the Vigie Highway towards Mespo. Why is it that some braindead morons have twice taken down the ‘no entry’ sign leading from Mespo to the Vigie Highway, and thrown it into the bush and why have the police authorities not done anything to correct this?

Having vandalised this sign, why then do ALL the van drivers and a large percentage of private motorists think they can then ignore this one way routing and proceed from Mespo to Kingstown against the required traffic flow.

Why is it that when I, being a responsible motorist, follow these diversions and meet head on either a van or a private car approaching from Mespo the wrong way, I am then expected to be the driver to give way to someone who has broken the prevailing traffic laws? By not giving way, why am I then subjected to a storm of expletives by most (if not all) van drivers, mostly the “F” and “C” words?

I would ask whoever is in overall charge of the traffic department why is this situation allowed to continue?

I would also end by advising Mr Bacchus that before he approaches the Government for concessions or special treatment to be given to van drivers, he should ensure that his van drivers show a modicum of good behaviour and consideration to other road users!

Indupp