Traffic changes coming for road users

The Road Safety Unit says it will be working with the National Works Agency to implement several changes in high-traffic areas, as it seeks to reduce the number of road fatalities each year.

Director of the unit, Kenute Hare said among the areas of focus are sections of Half Way Tree, especially the Half Way Tree to Hope Road and the Constant Spring to South Odeon Road intersections.

He said several changes will be made in January, to ensure the safety of pedestrians especially while crossing the busy roadways.

While not saying exactly what those changes will be, Hare says the move is in response to complaints from pedestrians that some motorists are not stopping to allow them to cross.

Hare said measures will also be included in the new Road Traffic Act aimed at saving the lives of pedestrians and other road users.

He said he is expecting the amendments to the Act to be enacted in 2013.

The new Act and regulations will, among other things, deal with the issue of using mobile phones while driving.

Two hundred and forty eight persons have died on the nation’s roads since the start of the year.

Hare said at least 78 of those persons were pedestrians.

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