Massive city traffic pile-up

HUNDREDS of motorists and members of the public remained stranded in traffic for hours yesterday as police officers put into place “Operation Lockdown,” which saw the closure of several key streets and the enforcement of restriction of parking in certain areas in the city.

Motorists and members of the public travelling from Chaguanas, St Augustine, Diego Martin and other areas to Port-of-Spain, arrived at their various destinations late. Newsday learned that some members of Parliament and guests arrived late for the opening of Parliament as a result of the traffic pile-up. Traffic around the Red House was restricted as part of the security arrangements. Abercromby Street, which is a  major thoroughfare for most motorists was closed off yesterday. Edward Street, Sackville Street, Abercromby Street between Queen and Duke Street, Knox Street and Hart Street were closed off to motorists.

The St Ann’s taxi stand was relocated to the southern side of Independence Square between Frederick and Henry Streets, while the St James taxi stand was moved to the northern side of Independence Square between Frederick and Henry Streets. The closure of the streets and the restrictions were put into place between 7 am and 1.30 pm yesterday. Senior officers said yesterday that while they were sorry for the inconvenience, the opening of Parliament was advertised in the newspaper and members of the public could have made a sacrifice to travel to Port-of-Spain before 7 am. He said that if this was done then the pile-up would have been eased up.

ACP Mobile Nazamul Hosein said that the traffic pile-up was due to traffic restrictions put in place for the opening of Parliament. He said more than 50 police officers were deployed to ensure security arrangements were adhered to and that motorists did not flout the traffic restrictions. The blocked off streets were re-opened around midday yesterday bringing a sigh of relief to motorists and members of the travelling public.