The general outcry that goes on each Sunday or public holiday about the traffic on the Western Main Road should be addressed as a top priority. Certainly another road would facilitate this problem but this would entail years of planning and implementation, not to talk about the cost! If we can achieve a rate of 20 miles an hour from Chaguaramas to the Foreshore it would do so much to eliminate the frustration and harassment that is experienced at the end of what was probably a lovely day. But how is that to be manifested? Well, first of all, we have to have a police presence all along the route preventing cars stopping at the various "watering holes" along the way. Definite taxi/bus stops must be established, the bars must provide parking areas in side streets or definitive car parks.
If, through some error in judgment, there is a small accident, then the police must ensure that the cars involved are moved out of the way as soon as possible. The focus must be on keeping the traffic moving, and this will entail having the police in place along the route from say 4 pm. There are so many little things that can be done quite economically and all that it will take is for all of us to be considerate. The Independence weekend is upon us but there is still time to implement some positive steps that will enable all to enjoy themselves and then get home safely and in a positive frame of mind. Mr Roberts should look at establishing alternate relaxation areas, eg the beaches at Cedros, Los Iros, Point Fortin, and rivers at Blue Basin and Caura (not to mention Toco) can all be upgraded to help in facilitating points at which various sections of society can gather to enjoy themselves without everyone having to head for the western peninsula. Happy Independence.
Chris Knaggs
Bayshore