Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Traffic

Parking meter system for Barrier Reef Drive still underway

This year, the project to install parking meters on Barrier Reef Drive is expected to happen. Newly elected Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez said on Tuesday, March 12th, that the project is still underway and soon parking at this busy street will come with a price. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has been working on this project since March 2023 to alleviate the traffic congestion in the downtown area.

Local Government reminds the public that Electric Scooters require a License

The San Pedro Town Council encourages the public to use green technology, keeping in mind that all motorized vehicles, including electric scooters, must be licensed, and registered at the Traffic Department, and the driver must hold a valid driver’s license from the Traffic Department. In addition, the Transport Department advises all owners of electric scooters (motorcycles) or people interested in using these electric bikes that it is crucial to abide by all driving laws before hitting the road.

Island residents call for stricter traffic enforcement

Traffic congestion in San Pedro Town is a significant concern for the island's residents. There has been an increase in vehicular activity in the downtown area, threatening pedestrians, especially students. As a result, the San Pedro Traffic Department has implemented various strategies to manage the congestion during certain hours of the day.

New regulations by SPTC on golf cart rentals causing mixed reactions

For the past years, the issue of traffic congestion in the downtown area of San Pedro has been a constant challenge to tackle. The cause has been attributed to congestion in specific areas, such as the local airport and water taxi terminals. As such, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is implementing restrictions for golf cart rentals at these ports of entry, prohibiting them from parking, loading, unloading, and soliciting business. These restrictions did not sit well with some stakeholders, who felt targeted, describing these as unfair and harmful for their companies. A call was also made to reconsider part of the regulation and further investigate the issue of taxi drivers taking up street space and overcharging.

Parking meters on Barrier Reef Drive still a go

The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is still working out details to launch their parking meter pilot project on Barrier Reef Drive (Front Street) to alleviate the traffic congestion in the downtown area. According to the island administration, there is no definite time to launch the project. Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez said the project is underway, but first, they need to prepare an alternate parking area inside the Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Arena (Saca Chispas field). Mayor Nuñez also touched on some factors affecting the parking issue downtown, like golf cart rentals taking up too much public space and adding to the congestion.

A mishap involving large trucks in northern Ambergris Caye raises road safety concerns

While no one was reported injured in a traffic mishap on Wednesday, August 23th, involving two large trucks on the northern road of Ambergris Caye, the incident raised concerns among commuters using the daily route. The issue of these large trucks speeding can potentially endanger other motorists. The problem is a shared concern with residents in the downtown area equally traversed by these large trucks. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) and its transport department have set schedules and regulations for these large vehicles, but the issue persists. Those concerned urge the respective authorities to do more before someone gets hurt.

Mobility ADO Resumes Belize-Cancun Service

Hon. Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Youth, Sports and Transport, attended the inauguration ceremony of Mobility ADO’s daily bus service between Belize and Cancun in Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico, on August 4.

Ministry of Transport and Belmopan City Council Host First National Traffic Conference

The three-day conference focused on streamlining and standardizing traffic management systems across municipal and national authorities. Traffic managers will develop a new Handbook of National Policies and Procedures for the issuance of driving licenses and vehicle registration and licensing, as mandated by the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act.

Taxi operators report unfair treatment from traffic officers at Central Park

The competition between taxi operators and golf cart rentals at Central Park has been an ongoing issue that led to the intervention of the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) in the past. Taxi drivers who visit Central Park to pick up water taxi passengers at busy times have reported that traffic wardens do not allow them to park. In contrast, golf cart rentals are reportedly allowed to stay and solicit.

Department of Transport partners with Caye Caulker Village Council and Belize Police Department to Conduct Traffic Enforcement during Lobster Fest Weekend

The Department of Transport is partnering with the Caye Caulker Village Council and the Belize Police Department to conduct rigorous traffic enforcement in Caye Caulker during the Lobster Fest weekend from July 14th to 16th, 2023. The enforcement exercise will ensure compliance with the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, with the overall goal of reducing road traffic incidents caused by driving under the influence of alcohol or reckless driving.

Large trucks in San Pedro Town continue to be an issue for residents

The issue regarding large trucks in downtown San Pedro Town and other parts of the island continues to be a daily concern as many residents voice their discontent, calling on local authorities to take further measures. Over the past few days, some residents have reported traffic accidents involving these large vehicles, fearing that a tragedy may occur if the issue is not addressed. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) had previously set a schedule for large vehicles (dump and cargo trucks) to alleviate traffic and potential accidents. According to the SPTC, this schedule has not changed; however, those concerned about the traffic problem say regulation needs to be enforced.