Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation (SLAC) made recommendations for Government to alleviate traffic in Simpson Bay and Cole Bay (see related story), partly based on 2014 study regarding the causeway. Contrary to initial scepticism, a daily average of about 4,200 vehicles pass over the road-bridge, said to represent almost half the volume of the most congested Union Road/Welfare Road region.
Interestingly, about 50 per cent of the number of motorists on these main streets can also be found on Wellington Road, Orange Grove Road and Well Road, which is a popular alternative route in both directions. It was suggested to stimulate its use by improving the conditions for such, also to accommodate traffic that stays within the area, but one has to wonder whether this wouldn’t just move the problem from one spot to the next.
Other worthwhile proposals include more filter, turn and possibly even backup lanes, but – as the report itself says – the need for parking at the many businesses located there must be taken into account. Promoting use of the second lane in roundabouts certainly seems like a good idea, but there are safety considerations especially regarding heavy equipment and trucks, while in at least one case a lane is often partially blocked by buses dropping off and picking up passengers where they’re actually not supposed to.
Some say there are just too many cars on the island and import restrictions or limits on rentals are needed. However, not affording guests the opportunity to drive around the island while here could make the destination less attractive, with all possible consequences for an already-struggling tourism economy.
A moderately priced mandatory non-resident driver’s licence like those implemented by several neighbours, including Anguilla and St. Kitts, seems like a reasonable way to both raise money for Government and carefully discourage visitors from driving when here, in effect killing two birds with one stone.
