LETTER: Urgent Action Needed on Repeated Traffic Violations in St. John’s

I am writing this open letter to the top brass of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, specifically those with responsibility for the Traffic Division, to urgently request your immediate attention to several serious and recurring traffic violations occurring daily in key areas of St. John’s. These offenses are not only breaches of the law, but they also pose significant safety hazards, disrupt the orderly flow of traffic, and have the potential to delay critical emergency response efforts.

Illegal Right Turn from South Street:

Motorists are consistently exiting the top of South Street and making an illegal right turn to head southward. This maneuver is especially problematic during peak traffic hours, as these vehicles often block the lane designated for northbound traffic heading into the city.

Improper Exit from Everyday Gas Station:

At the junction of Independence Avenue and Queen Elizabeth Highway, drivers are exiting the Everyday Gas Station via the entrance located opposite New Street. They then attempt to cross double white lines and two lanes of traffic to proceed northward. This reckless behavior blocks the southbound lane, further exacerbating congestion during busy periods.

Illegal Parking at Desouza and All Saints Road Junction:

Vehicles are frequently parked under the stoplight directly in front of the Syrian Restaurant and minimart at the very top Desouza Road across from Robinson Service Station. This illegal parking forces northbound drivers attempting to merge onto All Saints Road to veer into oncoming traffic, creating dangerous bottlenecks and sometimes standoffs, as both parties going in opposite directions are now head-to-head are unable to reverse because of the deluge of traffic behind them. It is important to emphasize that this junction is a designated emergency route taking emergency response vehicles to and from the southern side of the island., and these blockages could significantly hinder emergency response times.

Obstructive Parking at Popeshead and St. John’s Street Junction:

This busy junction is persistently misused by patrons of nearby restaurants and casino who park indiscriminately, often double or even triple parking. Vehicles are also frequently parked on the corners, obstructing the larger vehicles from safely maneuvering. Popeshead Street is a crucial traffic artery leading from the city to the Point, Villa, and Fort Road areas. Obstruction here forces drivers to use smaller, often congested roads, which could critically delay emergency services or individuals in urgent need of medical attention.

I would like to add, that these infractions are ticketable offences, and if the government and police are serious about both public safety and fiscal responsibility, these recurring violations must be addressed with strict enforcement and appropriate penalties so these unruly lawbreakers can feel it in their pockets.

By addressing just these four concerns and deploying officers in unmarked vehicles near the Everyday Gas Station, along with conducting frequent, around-the-clock patrols at the Desouza and All Saints Road junction and the Popeshead and St. John’s Street junction, I am confident that we will not only see a significant improvement in road safety and traffic flow but also a measurable increase in government revenue through enforcement.

I trust your office will treat this matter with the urgency and seriousness it warrants. I remain hopeful for swift and decisive action.

Sincerely,

Proud Citizen of Antigua and Barbuda

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