Road safety, its high time TCI transform the way we move 

#TurksandCaicos, February 15, 2023 – In the recent past, tremendous growth has been observed in traffic patterns in both Grand Turk and Providenciales, how long will this be sustainable before it becomes a nightmare?

The trajectory the country is on, it’s simply not safe for commuters, cyclists and pedestrians alike, in Grand Turk or Providenciales and eventually North Caicos.

We have got to start thinking “big picture” here, rather than a knee jerk reaction to situations which could end up becoming detrimental to motorists or causing a strain on the public at large.

Case in point: Whilst the government was on the right track with regulating aged old vehicles and banning of used tires from an environmental perspective, many still question whether we put the cart before the horse on this one.

Perhaps, it’s time to start planning for traffic lights in select locations. Round-abouts are still doable, but it’s confusing to some and will not suffice in certain areas. Soft introduction of stop signs could also be a temporary solution, but adaptation will take time as it will be a cultural change in driving habits.

On the major highways and streets, there is no such thing as an absent dedicated bike route not shared with traffic which is pretty risky. Road traffic department should take a closer look into such areas and highlight the need for government to provide more secure bike paths.

There are a number of viable solutions. For example, can we repurpose coastal roads and select pathways for cyclists and pedestrians?

With the limited number of roads, are we at a point where a cap needs to be placed on the number of motor vehicles one business can operate, while allowing others to share in the growth and development?

Is it time to conduct a feasibility study on traffic patterns and a way to transform the way we move?

This can be done by bringing in a consultant to predict and provide models of transport planning to work from.

The leeward highway in Providenciales and lighthouse road in Grand Turk, are all good examples to start with. They are the main arteries into town and a constant flow of traffic.

With those roads being a critically needed thoroughfare, what long term plans are in place to help ease rush-hour traffic woes? This is especially concerning for residents during the busy season in Provo or multiple cruise ship days in Grand Turk. At times, golf carts, hummers and ATVs could be lined up for quite a stretch.

With having limited land space available, in order to expand the roads in certain areas, in all likelihood it will have to involve encroaching on eminent domain in Provo or the salt pounds in Grand Turk.

Perhaps, completing the tarmac road on the ridge in Grand Turk could offer an alternative route to the lighthouse or erecting an overpass in the downtown area in Providenciales, may ease the bottleneck traffic and make it safer for pedestrians trying to cross that busy highway.

We have got to start thinking long term and put measures in place to proactively manage traffic in such a way that reduces the estimated crash potential.

With the advances in information technology, available closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras on the streets, we should be collecting and analyzing data to support our future growth and development in this critical area.

Ed Forbes

Concerned citizen of Grand Turk