Traffic Dept to demonstrate
proper use of roundabouts
PHILIPSBURG--Police spokesman Chief Inspector Johan “Janchi” Leonard says the concerns of motorists regarding the roundabouts on the island have the full attention of the local Police Force, particularly the Traffic Department which will soon offer public demonstrations of proper use of the roundabouts.
He said the Traffic Department had already planned on providing public demonstrations, but was awaiting the completion of the road markings, which are still being painted.
Once the road markings are completed, the Traffic Department will demonstrate the proper use of the roundabouts and issue advice on actions that should be avoided when using them.
Leonard said in an invited comment that many people had been calling the police station to complain or ask questions about the proper use of the roundabouts. He said the concerns had been greater for the latest roundabout on Soualiga Road near the Philipsburg police station.
It seems problems were being created because of this particular roundabout’s many exit and entry points and its frequent use. Leonard said there had been many heated arguments and fights between motorists over who had the right-of-way.
Leonard said there was also a great deal of concern over motorists stopping on roundabouts for whatever reason, as this interrupted the flow of traffic. Leonard said some who have lived on larger islands have seen two-lane entries and exits for roundabouts, but these people should appreciate that St. Maarten is much smaller.
He said “all motorists” must respect the laws of the land pertaining to road traffic. “If this were done by all motorists, we would experience a much smoother flow of traffic,” he said.
