West Port of Spain Experimental Traffic Scheme

The experimental traffic scheme

August 28, 2012:

West Port of Spain Experimental Traffic Scheme which was previously indicated as terminating with effect from 3rd Sept 2012 will instead now cease with effect from Friday 31st August 2012.

In other words, the last day on which the West Port of Spain Experimental Traffic Scheme shall be in effect is Thursday 30th August 2012.

The Public is reminded of the following:

From Friday 31st August 2012, all measures and restrictions that constituted this Experimental Scheme shall no longer be in force.  Consequently, the configuration of the affected areas shall be returned to what previously applied, i.e. before the implementation of the Scheme.

With the reinstatement of the former traffic arrangements in St. James, Woodbrook and Newtown, the Public is also advised that there will be the enforcement of all applicable parking restrictions, utilizing both the Enforcing Officers and vehicle-towing options.  Motorists should therefore observe and obey such restrictions and, in this way, allow for as free a flow of traffic as possible and avoid the penalties and inconveniences associated with breaches of the Law.

Although the West Port of Spain Experimental Traffic Scheme was, undoubtedly, very successful in reducing traffic congestion and travel times along the main routes leading to and from the Port of Spain central business district, as was its primary objective, it appears to the Ministry that some of the resulting negative side effects outweigh the benefits that were gained.  In that regard, the Ministry wishes to thank all stakeholders who facilitated the testing of the Experiment and, moreso, by their constructive and frank feedback, both remotely and via consultations, assisted in the consistent and faithful monitoring and assessment of it.

The Ministry of Works and Infrastructure will continue to review the traffic arrangements in West Port of Spain with a view to determining what future action needs to be taken to relieve congestion and enhance travel times, the Government’s aim being to improve the lives of the burgesses and other users of this highly populated and very popular area.