The message on page 3 of Tuesday’s paper was loud and clear, but bears repeating. Badly parked vehicles at Mullet Bay will be towed.
Easter is a favoured period to visit local beaches and other recreational areas where illegal parking tends to be rampant. This situation is particularly dangerous because the illegally-parked vehicles hamper traffic, making it difficult for two vehicles going in opposite directions to safely pass each other.
When the property manager placed rocks on the roadside to discourage the practice, that only led to the culprits blocking a bigger part of the relatively busy street. Authorities are right to do something about it, as this situation is no longer just an accident waiting to happen but has already caused several crashes.
However, while the motorists involved are obviously to blame, government too should re-examine its role. After all, a third bar/restaurant was allowed to open there recently without any parking spaces except the often-full main lot at the other end. Although this new beach club caters to residents of the 14 Two Towers project nearby with golf-cart transport service, it also attracts different clients who often park along the road.
Some will still do so despite the latest warning issued by authorities and this reminder. Experience shows certain folks are simply foolhardy, as witnessed by the number of persons caught with outdated licence plates last Saturday when it had been widely announced that controls would start the day before.
The same can be said for driving under the influence despite numerous examples of tragic consequences. With Carnival Village opening as well, the importance of prevention in this sense cannot over-emphasised.
And speaking of beaches, almost every year during this time drownings or near-drowning incidents occur. The main reason seems to be that more persons than usual visit the island’s shores and bathe in the sea, including many who seldom do and perhaps can’t even swim, while the fact that they frequently consume large quantities of food and alcoholic beverages probably does not help.
So, have a great long weekend, but please don’t forget to take care.
