Residents and motorists are still adjusting to the recent conversion of several Kitty streets to one-way traffic.
After a study was done of the volume of traffic in the area, the Public Infrastructure Ministry converted Station and Pike streets to only facilitate traffic travelling west, while Shell Road, Dowding, Thomas and Gordon streets now only facilitate traffic running east.
The streets were converted mid-September and police began enforcement on October 1.
Stabroek News spoke to a number of the residents living in Shell Road and Thomas Street on the conversion and the effects it has had on their daily lives. There were mixed reactions by the residents, many of whom did not want to be named.
“I think it benefits people who not living in the street,” said one man as he explained that although he lives near Vlissengen Road, he has to drive all the way around into another street in order to access the main road.
Others praised the initiative and they pointed out that the streets had been too narrow for two-way traffic. However, one resident suggested that speed limits be implemented in the streets along with speed bumps, since drivers often speed. “Children living in the streets and can be knocked down. Speed bumps annoying but [you] got to look at the safety of the children,” the older man stated.
As this newspaper engaged a small group at Shell Road on persons who ignore the one-way signs, a gust of dust swirled in the air as a navy blue BMW sped down the road in the wrong direction. The members of the group lifted their hands in protest and signalled the reckless usage of the road by the man behind the tinted windows.
“It is a good idea. It is taking some time to adjust but [people are] adjusting day by day. It is the same traffic to me but we getting more congestion at Sandy Babb and Barr Street in the morning around 8.30. I suggest that a police officer be at the front at that area in the mornings,” said another resident.
“It ain’t affecting me but it reduce the traffic flow of vehicles coming through the street. One and two still ain’t fully adjust,” a businessman living through the street said.
Jermaine Sealy, of Thomas Street, welcomed the change, saying it he was “adjusting well” to it.
“It brings some order to the use of the street. Before, it was noisy, which suggested lots of traffic passed through the street. Reduction of traffic in the streets brings order. The adjustment is just a matter of convenience,” said Shane Moses, also of Thomas Street, as he described the differences he observed.
Others welcomed the initiative but criticised the approach in implementation as they noted that they were not consulted.
Police officers at Kitty Police Station pointed out that the move has eased traffic congestion and there are fewer complaints by residents about drivers parking on their properties.
Traffic Chief Dion Moore said persons are satisfied with the changes.
He acknowledged that patrols would not be stationed all day and drivers would need time to adjust but he said no excuse will be accepted from people living in the area and they will be charged for violations.
Moore did, however, note that some persons are vandalising the new one-way signs. “We are trying to put up these infrastructure and we ask for persons to desist,” he said.
