An increased police presence and parking meters along the city’s streets were among the suggestions made by citizens of San Fernando to alleviate traffic woes.
The suggestions were put forward during the San Fernando City Corporation’s (SFFC) Public Consultation on Traffic at the San Fernando City Hall on Wednesday night.
The SFFC’s Traffic Management Committee, headed by councillor Robert Paris, invited the public to give their opinion on what would be the best solution to the city’s traffic.
One young San Fernando mother proposed a frequent police presence at major intersections to deter motorists from breaking traffic lights and clogging the roadway.
“We need to see the police present at the Skinner Park intersection, the Coca-Cola intersection,” said Nadine Lackatoo.
“Because there are people who will continue to drive even when the light is red and clog up the intersection. And when your light is green you cannot pass and you end up stuck there.”
She also proposed a walkover at the Gulf City lights, saying it could benefit the scores of youngsters who frequent the area.
“I am always seeing children who are going over to KFC or to get pizza taking a chance to cross the road. We need to build a walkover there before one of them gets knocked down.”
Resident Keith Smith said he had lived abroad for a number of years and had seen that the introduction of parking metres had helped ease traffic congestion.
“I know the wreckers make a lot of money but why don’t we install parking metres? It would help in traffic and generate revenue and ease the frustration of citizens.”
Paris told those gathered that the committee had held 11 consultations in the past and are on their way to coming up with solutions to the traffic.
He said a major influencing factor were the schools in and around San Fernando.
Also attending the consultation was Mayor Kazim Hosein, who praised Paris and other committee members for their diligence in ensuring all viewpoints were heard before any decisions were made.