The Ministry of Public Works announced by way of a Public Traffic Advisory that starting October 30, the intersection at Vlissengen Road and Lamaha Street will prohibit right turns. This is in a bid to improve traffic flow and reduce accidents.
According to the ministry’s statement, the new traffic regulation aims to optimize the busy intersection known for its congestion, particularly during morning rush hours. To assist drivers in adjusting to the change, new traffic signs have been installed to guide motorists and pedestrians through the area safely.
This decision immediately sparked significant backlash from the public, with many voicing their concerns about the potential impact on daily commutes and emergency services. When contacted by this newspaper as regards citizens’ concerns, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill preferred not to comment.
Sounding off on social media, one user highlighted that the change would exacerbate existing traffic issues, especially for parents dropping off their children at Marian Academy and Queen’s College, who already face significant delays during peak hours. “Best of luck to the ambulances!” the user added, referring to the longer routes emergency services will now have to take to reach the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH).
A doctor criticised the decision as one of the “dumbest” he has ever seen, emphasising that the area around GPH was already congested and that the new rule would further complicate access for patients and healthcare providers. “Lamaha from Vlissengen is one of the main access routes…,” he stated.
Concerns were also raised about whether adequate consultations were conducted before implementing the traffic changes. One commenter pointed out the critical nature of west-bound traffic from Vlissengen Road to Lamaha Street, noting that it served as an essential corridor for accessing medical facilities and downtown Georgetown.
The sentiment was echoed by many others who questioned the rationale behind the intervention. “How is this optimising traffic flow? This will create bottlenecks more than anything else,” lamented one frustrated resident.
Another citizen expressed dismay over the anticipated increase in traffic on neighbouring streets, fearing that Republic Street, which is ill-equipped to handle heavy traffic, would become even more congested.
Another resident asked this newspaper: “Where is the data? If they could come out and say listen, we did some traffic modelling and it found that this will lead to an ease in traffic by 10%. Or look, even Albert Street, they could say we made Albert and Lamaha no right turn, and we like how that worked out, so now we are implementing the same thing here at Lamaha and Vlissingen for a month to see how it works. Now all them streets in Queenstown that are already a mix of interesting one-ways, will be backed up.”
Some suggestions for modifications to the traffic plan have emerged. A user proposed allowing right turns from Vlissengen Road to Lamaha Street, while maintaining no right turns for other directions. Others suggested trial periods for the new regulations to better assess their impact on traffic patterns.
As the community grapples with the ramifications of this significant traffic change, many hope that the ministry will reconsider the decision in light of the widespread public discontent.
In its traffic advisory, the ministry expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and thanked the public for their cooperation as they navigate the new traffic landscape.
Residents are urged to exercise caution at the intersection during this transition and to remain vigilant for updated traffic signage and instructions.
