Linda Smith On Church Road, Conditions & More
“Southampton West Central residents have been appealing to the Government for over five years to do something about increased speeding, dangerous driving and the poor conditions on Church Road,” Shadow Environment & Sustainability Minister Linda Smith said.
The OBA MP said, “The Highways Department conducted a site visit approximately a year ago and agreed that action needs to be taken. In a statement to the House of Assembly in December, Minister the Hon. Jache Adams indicated that work on traffic calming measures was imminent. However, it has been almost six months and there have been no developments or updates. Recent correspondence to the Ministry was answered with a curt reply, saying work will take place in due course. Hopefully, due course is before there is an avoidable tragedy.
“Church Road is home to Port Royal School, two nursery schools, St. Anne’s Church and the Southampton Post Office. It is a busy road used by parents, teachers, students, seniors, residents and Port Royal physical education classes and other activities.
“Concern about the safety of road users extends well beyond the immediate residents. Parents whose children catch the bus or walk, and those dropping off and picking up children daily, worry about their safety. In addition to school traffic, Church Road is increasingly being uses as a thoroughfare for commercial vehicles moving between South and Middle Roads, often at high speeds, which increases with the start of the cruise ship season. Additionally, the danger is compounded by poor road site lines, which make it difficult for both drivers and pedestrians to see what is ahead and what is coming toward them.
“Following the site visit last June, the Highways Department acknowledged that the area experiences heavy vehicle traffic, with school entrances/exists, two bus lay bys and two private roads. They also noted that site lines on Church Road need evaluation, and there should be traffic calming measures installed to reduce speeding and improve safety.
“This is good news but where is the priority? When is – in due course?”
