Traffic conditions on the island have been escalating over the past few years, with residents becoming increasingly concerned about safety, especially that of their children. In order to alleviate the issue, The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is taking several steps to ensure the congestion of traffic does not rise. In an interview with The San Pedro Sun, Mayor Daniel Guerrero detailed the measures that will be put in place to control traffic on the island.
According to Guerrero, among the many steps being taken are allocating set parking space and reducing traffic flow in town core. “We are currently making arrangements to use the space adjacent to Saca Chispas as the set parking lot for town. We will be placing gravel and constructing cement dividers for parking slots,” said Guerrero. He further explained that the parking lot would work in conjunction with the new regulations for Pescador and Barrier Reef Drive. “We will soon be implementing several regulations to reduce the congestion in Front (Barrier Reef Drive) and Middle (Pescador) Street. We will only be allowing golf carts, pedestrians, bicycles and ATV’s in this area. No cars, vans, or trucks will be allowed to traffic this area. In addition, only 4-seater golf carts and motorcycles will be allowed to park on Pescador and Barrier Reef Drive.” Said Guerrero. He hopes that with these implementations, pedestrians, especially school children, will be able to move around effortlessly and safely.
Measures are also being taken in regards to equipment of vehicles. “We are coming strong on motorcycles. By law, there should be just two persons on a motorcycle, anything more than that is illegal. Plus, each person must have a helmet. Bicycles must have reflectors and lights at night, along with a bell. In regards to golf carts, mufflers need to be a priority. We will not allow smoky or noisy mufflers in the street. If your muffler needs work, it belongs in the shop for repairs,” said Guerrero. These steps will enhance safety at night, as well as prevent health hazards.
While SPTC does not intend to monitor the entrance of new golf carts to the island, they do intend to control the entry of cars and trucks. “I have no plans in regulating the entry of a golf cart. If someone wants to bring in a golf cart then let them do it. What I will look into is all those cars and trucks that are being brought. These vehicles are bulky and are the main cause for congestion. All those Polaris and custom made vehicles will also be checked. Plus, checks will have to be made for all vehicles before they hit the streets,” said Guerrero.
He stated that he is in the process of negotiating with delivery agent and cargo companies to do all deliveries before 7AM. “I want to have all cargo deliveries be made the same time as the garbage trucks are out. Of course, they would have to find a way to organize it with the different businesses so that the transaction can be made. I think everyone is with me in that we do not want to see big trucks out in the streets during the day, unless there is no other option,” said Guerrero.
Guerrero ended by stating that he is contemplating installing a traffic light in Coconut Drive in front of Tropic Air. He also intends to increase the number of traffic wardens to eighteen; currently there are eleven traffic wardens. Guerrero expects that with all these measures, tourists and residents will be able to enjoy a safer, less congested island town.
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