There is no arguing that chaotic streets here on the island fray the nerves of many drivers and pedestrians. As such, due to the congestion of parked vehicles, The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has recently implemented a new public parking solution in order to alleviate traffic, specifically the main streets: Barrier Reef and Pescador Drive.
The San Pedro Traffic Department (SPTD) has announced that opposite of the Honorable Louis Sylvestre Sports Complex and beside ‘The San Pedro Artisan Market’, it has established a newly constructed parking lot for long term use, free of cost. This parking can accommodate 80 golf carts only.
The SPTC recommends and encourages those in the labor force to utilize the new parking area. Many golf-carts are often parked on busy streets for prolonged hours, giving other short-term riders limited spaces to park. The new parking area is excellent and geared to those who park all day during normal business hours. Not only will this method steadily improve a percentage of our congested traffic in downtown areas, but it will also acknowledge a health issue.
According to Local Economic Development Officer at the SPTC, Jorge Aldana, “Our parking area has another positive effect. By using the parking lot, we are addressing certain health issues by encouraging people to become more physical. From the center of town to the furthest point up in town is probably a five minute walk,” stated Aldana.
Some people might be hesitant in using the parking lot because of their concerns of security. Aldana reassures that security measures are enforced and that it should not be a concern. “We have placed two security officers at ‘The San Pedro Artisan Market’ and one is responsible for the patrolling of vehicles,” said Aldana.
New methods and ideas are always being discussed between Aldana and his committee. The accessible parking lot that was enacted from the traffic department is just one of the many strategies to come. The improvement of traffic conditions will not occur overnight and more is just said than done due to the measurements of San Pedro Island. “We have major traffic challenges as San Pedro is just a quarter mile wide and then, you only have three main streets that occupy the downtown area,” said Aldana.
The SPTC is aware of the traffic conditions and wants San Pedro to know that it will work towards addressing the matter. “Traffic is causing an economic issue on the island and it plays a big role in our tourism industry. Before the month of September, we will have a consultant and technical expert from Canada who specializes in urban planning to study the traffic conditions here in San Pedro that will lead to the recommendations of a long-term solution,” disclosed Aldana.
The SPTC and the SPTD proposes that if the island’s traffic problem is efficiently conquered, residents and tourists will feel more comfortable and the beautiful restoration of “La Isla Bonita” won’t involve any more traffic congestion.
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