THA to set up traffic management unit

The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) is to set up a traffic management unit to manage traffic in Tobago given a large increase in cars on the island.

Speaking at Tuesday’s post Executive Council media briefing at the conference room of the THA Division of Tourism, Transportation and Culture, Secretary of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment Councillor Kwesi DesVignes said that the Executive Council has approved the formulation of a traffic management unit under the Division as they seek to revolutionise the way traffic is managed in Tobago.

“For far too long, we have been using a lot of anecdotal data and reacting as well. The reality is with the increase in the standard of living for many persons, Tobagonians have been able to afford motor vehicles and there has been an explosion of sorts with the motor vehicle population on the island and we have to find ways to manage that, while ensuring that everyone is able to do their business and everyone is able to get to where they have to safely as well,” he said.

DesVignes said a parking and traffic study would be commissioned for the Scarborough area to guide the decision-making process.

“The last traffic study was done sometime in 2015 and of course we have had an exponential increase in the vehicle population, so we have to update our information,” he said.

He said the Executive Council is also considering a recommendation by the Division of Infrastructure for traffic wardens in Tobago.

“We are going to convene a special committee to evaluate the proposal. The proposal is to start with Scarborough, move to Crown Point and then possibly Roxborough, with consideration to be given to the school zones,” he said.