THE EDITOR, Sir:
I HAVE been a careful driver for over 40 years with an excellent record. I support the work of the police and fully understand the difficult task they have in performing their duties. I received a ticket for careless driving. This happened on Constant Spring Road after the Sandy Gully Bridge near Merl Grove High School. I made a U-turn after the bridge. Going home through the upper Constant Spring Road is always hectic so I have been one of those who use West Kings House Road and Drumblair.
Since last year, northbound traffic on Constant Spring Road could no longer turn onto West Kings House Road. The narrow South Avenue was made worse by the added traffic that was forced to come this way. West Kings House Road eastbound became under-utilised and with little traffic. This became a great temptation for northbound Sandy Gully Bridge users to turn around to go West Kings House Road.
Those of us being ticketed on this occasion were all furious because something must be wrong since so many people are turning there. Technically, we may be wrong, and the police may be just doing their job. But if they had simply erected a "NO U-TURN" sign after the bridge, most of us would not have turned around there.
This section of the road is in a mess as far as directions are concerned. The lanes and lights are not yet ready. The markings of the lanes are misleading. Road users have to rush to merge. The sidewalk is dangerously narrow and the corner is not ready for the left-turn filter lane.
NWA's job is to move traffic smoothly and we wish those responsible would look at this part of West Kings House Road closely and help the people to stay on the side of law.
I am etc.,
WAI YAN CHANG
Kingston
