BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AFTER consideration to public outcry, the Licencing Authority has taken a decision to implement permanent traffic restrictions in the downtown Basseterre area.
A communiqué issued by the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force’s Traffic Department informs that as of Monday October 25, 2010, one of Basseterre’s main thoroughfares would be converted from a two-way street to a one-way street.
The release informs that as of that date, the portion of Central Street between Church and West Independence Square Streets would no longer be allowed to accommodate two-way-traffic.
In effect, the release informs, “motorists will be permitted to travel only eastwards along that stretch of road…(and) vehicles will no longer be permitted to drive westward between West Independence Square Street and Fort Street.”
Acting Head of the Traffic Department Sergeant Calvin Amory told SKNVibes that these restrictions would only be effective during the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. daily.
Sergeant Amory explained to this media house that the changes were made to ease traffic congestion in that area. He said, however, the change was not haphazardly done, but was made subsequent to the execution of a study.
“The Licencing Authority decided to make these changes based on the fact that we are getting lots of reports from the public about congestion in that area. We did a study some months ago where we had the female cricket here and we did turn it into a one way street for that specific occasion. What we realised is that the traffic flowed much more smoothly that it is flowing now. So we took all things into consideration, listened to cry of public and after consultation we decided to implement these changes.”
An additional constraint which the Traffic Department says would be enforced from Monday, October 25, 2010 is a no-parking restriction for a section of Church Street.
“No parking will be permitted on Church Street between Central Street and Liverpool Row between the hours 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. daily. This therefore restricts persons from parking their vehicle overnight in the area that is between Central Street and Liverpool Row.”
Amory said “the cooperation of the general public will be greatly appreciated” but reminded that failure to comply with traffic restrictions would result in issuance of a ticket or a summons.
