The opinions of those who campaigned hard for downtown Nadi to revert to two-way traffic are well respected. You are finally being heard.
Nadi’s vehicles numbers have exploded in recent years. Well beyond what Nadi can handle. At best of times, during peak hours, with one-way traffic in effect, our main streets are chaotic enough.
Allowing the two-way traffic to return may not necessarily ease any chaos, congestion, frustration and anger, especially during heat and humidity, currently prevailing. There are far too many impatient and discourteous drivers on our roads. Many jump red light and are never pulled up. Cops are invisible.
LTA traffic officers do not make their physical presence felt. The traffic problems are very real.
Well-trained traffic police officers on motor bikes are recommended. They need be ruthless in enforcing traffic laws. Ill-disciplined drivers must not get away.
The stark absence office police points officers at vital intersections, when needed, leads to aggravated annoyance when traffic lights “go red” and there is no pedestrian to cross …. all traffic comes to a standstill. A points officer can help override such signals and allow continuing traffic flow.
Nadi police station, like Namaka could be very short of adequate police officers required during daylight hours. Or am I wrong? Nadi just has far too many vehicles. This is our main problem. How does one really curtail movement of traffic into or out of town?
Furthermore, if this transition to two-way traffic takes place in December, the busiest time of each year, the ensuing chaos will easily double, triple or quadruple. I stand to be corrected. Businesses will suffer.
I repeat, the opinions of campaigners who fought hard to revert to two-way traffic are well respected. Space for all traffic in downturn Nadi is very limited, constricted and “tests patience.”
Newer by-pass roads into town, and at least two new bridges, might ease our ongoing traffic problems. Understandably, cost factors are hindrances to growth and development.
I share my views respectfully. I liken downtown Nadi to the proverbial “sardine tin” – too compact and trying to accommodate all traffic.
Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj
