Director of the Highways Division, Roger Ganesh, yesterday insisted that the road fatality at the new intersection at Four Roads, Diego Martin, was not due to the Ministry of Works and Transport’s failure to put proper signs in place. But he admits the traffic plan for the area may be reviewed and revisited if it is indeed causing a problem.
Responding to concerns by residents that the death of motorcyclist David Fanan last Sunday was the fault of the ministry, which has introduced new traffic regulations there since the opening of the Diego Martin Highway extension, Ganesh said, “Motorists need to drive within the speed limit, drive carefully and do things according to regulations.”
Fanan, 58, of St Lucien Gardens, Diego Martin, was hit by a car around 11 am as he rode his motorcycle south along the highway. The accident reportedly occurred as Fanan was approaching the intersection, when the driver of the car allegedly tried to cross the intersection illegally from Morne Coco Road.
Ganesh said before and after the construction of the new stretch of highway, drivers and pedestrians were informed of the traffic changes via the media, and clear signs were posted along the traffic routes and intersections. The accident occurred two days after residents of Morne Coco and Petit Valley appealed for better road signs and a filter lane to be added at their intersection.
Residents interviewed last week expressed hope that this would ease the traffic congestion. They complained that the new system was creating chaos, as it created lengthy delays for drivers seeking to leave the Morne Coco Road and join the flow of traffic at the intersection.
Taxi, maxi and private drivers have difficulty entering the traffic—especially during peak hours—as there is no separate filter lane for drivers not engaged in dropping off or picking up passengers. Private cars have to use the same lay-by being used by the bus, maxi and taxi drivers, before joining the traffic flow.
Ganesh explained the lay-by had been constructed with a view to easing the difficulties faced by drivers picking up and dropping off passengers, and was a way to reduce the danger often created by drivers who stopped indiscriminately and without warning to other drivers.
“There are clear signs and road markings on what is allowed at that intersection with respect to traffic coming out of Morne Coco and Petit Valley,” Ganesh insisted, adding that besides the lay-by, there was also a deceleration/acceleration lane from which drivers could join the two lanes of traffic heading south. He added: “Clearly, we have plenty roads; there is no need to do anything else there.”
Ganesh said he had been critically reviewing the comments posted on the social networking site Facebook, with a view to considering whether any traffic changes were required in the area. However, he warned that changes would not be made to accommodate the minority of drivers who complained of the personal inconvenience to themselves.
Admitting that he had visited the site of the accident yesterday to observe the traffic flow, road signs and review the traffic regulations at the intersection, Ganesh said, “Drivers must drive within the traffic laws of the country before complaining.”
