About 20 decommissioned traffic lights from one of the country’s busiest intersections, near Grand Bazaar, have been recycled to create a Christmas-tree “sculpture” near the Churchill-Roosevelt and Uriah Butler highways.
The monument, which has received some criticism on social media and from callers to radio stations, was erected over the weekend and is expected to remain in place indefinitely, having received the approval of Works and Infrastructure Minister Suruj Rambachan.
In an interview yesterday, Director of Highways Roger Ganesh said for drivers to slow down to look at the Christmas-tree traffic light, put up by the Highway Division, was a positive outcome in terms of driving safely.
But at this time of year, between Christmas and Carnival, when road accidents increase significantly, drivers have complained about this recently erected monument, calling it a distraction.
Jason Marcano, who drives past Grand Bazaar every morning, said it confused him.
“It’s distracting. Firstly, I wasn’t sure if it was an actual traffic light or not, but it is also confusing because I don’t know why it is there.
“There isn’t a sign or anything stating its purpose or whether it is decoration or has some sort of meaning.”
Besides being a form of decoration, Ganesh said his traffic-light Christmas tree, which was inspired by a similar creation in London, contained a piece of this country’s history.
“These lights were all reused from that previous intersection. Some of the 20 pieces are over 60 years old, and I thought that instead of just dumping them, we could do something creative.
“It isn’t at an intersection. It is supposed to be interesting. People recognise it as a Christmas tree and we plan to keep it lit all the time. It shouldn’t be distracting at all.”
Some drivers preferred to take a wait-and-see approach.
“It's already difficult for Trinidadians to comprehend an amber arrow light alongside the normal three-colour traffic lights. I have to see how this works before I could have an input,” said Chaguanas resident Shenice Williams.
Ashley Donald, of Sangre Grande, said she thought the Christmas-tree idea was creative and beautiful.
—Kalifa Clyne
