Traffic congestion and genuine engagement

Nov 08, 2013 Editorial

Earlier this week, it was reported that several thoroughfares in the city will soon be designated as one-way streets to aid in reducing traffic congestion.
The Home Affairs Minister revealed that Cabinet had examined a presentation from the National Commission on Law and Order on the question of one-way streets.
In his statement, there was a noteworthy pledge that is worth repeating for the sake of possible future reference.
“We would of course have to lay out the plan to make it public, and we would of course have to engage in discussions and consultations with many other stakeholders, as well as residents in various parts of the city where we intend to establish this network of one-way streets. This is another innovative way that we will be implementing to address the traffic congestion in the city of Georgetown…”
A considerable increase in vehicles would obviously have prompted the authorities to consider remedial action. The traffic situation, particularly during peak periods, has for years been somewhat unmanageable, and this has not only been because of poor planning but also the culture of non-adherence to the laws by drivers and pedestrians, and the facilitation of lawlessness by many uncaring, if not corrupt traffic ranks. The confluence of those issues creates the dilemma.
Planning is certainly within the authorities’ control, but there must be a commitment to listen to all and sundry (thus our highlighting of the aforementioned pledge) if meaningful progress is to be made. The promise to involve “many other stakeholders, as well as residents in various parts of the city” sounds encouraging, and we would like to believe that this would be the case. But there is caution, given past experiences.
The well laid-out ward of Queenstown is a perfect example. There are very few people who could state assuredly that they know all the current one-way arrangements in that section of the city, or more to the point, make sense of what exists.
For instance, there has never been an explanation as to why one of the least traversed and populated areas, the northernmost block of Peter Rose Street (between Anira and Lamaha Streets), needed to be made a one-way. Speculation suggests the unexplainable, and it is hoped that the opportunity will be used to rectify this ludicrous decision.
With respect to the rest of the ward, the maze of madness has contributed to needless uncertainty and accidents. It’s 50-50 at most of the intersections. This should not be. There aren’t enough clear signs/indicators to remove doubt, and of course, assuming right-of-way is unwise. The name changes to sections of each thoroughfare over the years have added to the adventure.
The streets of Georgetown are relatively small, thus there is need for a thorough and coherent strategy to address congestion, primarily in the commercial zones.
A random assessment of the situation would reveal that much needs to be done. The discussions could probably be kick-started with the following observations:
Camp Street including Camp Road (specifically from Norton Street to Carifesta Avenue) is arguably the busiest vein between North and South. There must be police supervision for every block, including those with traffic lights, to facilitate a smooth flow. It is mayhem from South Road to Middle Street along that thoroughfare. Indiscriminate parking must be addressed in that particular section, as well as haphazard crossing by pedestrians.
With respect to West-East movement, more can be done with Robb Street (from Water Street to Alexander Street). This roadway can significantly ease Regent Street, but once again, parking presents problems. On holidays and weekends, one is able to appreciate the true size of Robb Street. Through disorder, its value has unfortunately been diminished.
We do hope that the authorities genuinely engage everyone in the very important process of easing traffic congestion in the city.

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Traffic congestion and genuine engagement

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