Roadtown, Tortola - The Ministry of Communications and Works wants the community to be educated on how to traverse the Road Town Roundabout as the Government prepares to commission the traffic signals.
“It is important that the community knows and understands that they will need to familiarise themselves on how to traverse the roundabout for shorter periods when the light is green,” Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Julian Fraser RA told the Department of Information and Public Relations.
As the government prepares to commission the traffic signals, motorists should be aware that once they enter the roundabout they will have the right of way until they reach their exit, as long as they do not make a complete circle and wish to cross the point where they entered.
“The traffic signals are here for us all to use to manage the traffic systems efficiently and to provide safety to pedestrians; however, these mechanisms need to be used correctly to produce maximum results,” the minister continued.
Pedestrians are especially encouraged to use the cross walks correctly by waiting for the signal to walk if you press the walk button. Pedestrians are strongly advised not to cross the street when the traffic lights are green.
Jay walking is the practise of crossing the street anywhere other than designated areas and without the right of way. “It is not something that is encouraged and is something we as citizens must avoid doing. It has many downsides most crucial of which is the danger to pedestrians themselves,” the minister stated.
“I have coming on stream the Traffic Warden Unit and their responsibility will be to keep the traffic moving, and if jay walking is becoming one of the nuisances that we have to relieve ourselves of then we will have the proper legislation to cover it,” Minister Fraser emphasised.
As Government prepares to commission the Territory’s second and third set of traffic lights and signals, the community is encouraged to act responsibly. Act responsibly when using the pedestrian cross walks, refrain from obstructing traffic, especially in the vicinity of the traffic lights, learn how to traverse the roundabout and adhere to traffic signals and signs at all times.
For more information regarding the traffic light commissioning ceremony, how to traverse the roundabout and how to be a responsible resident, tune in to the GIS Radio Report, which features Hon. Julian Fraser RA, today July 28 on ZVCR 106.9 FM at 6:15 p.m., on ZBVI 780 AM at 6:35 p.m. or on ZROD 103.7 FM at 10:00 p. m. The radio report will also air on Wednesday on ZKING at 7:45 a.m. and on ZBVI at 8:35 a.m.
On March 13, 2009 the Government signed a contract with JoClaud Enterprises Limited for the installation of traffic lights and signals at the Road Town Roundabout and at the intersection of Admin and Waterfront Drive in an effort to relieve the traffic congestion and to provide a more pedestrian friendly capital.
British Virgin Islands News