Police have increased their morning presence at major roads, junctions and school zones across Antigua and Barbuda as students return to the classroom for the new academic year.
Superintendent Elson Quammie, head of the Traffic Department, said senior officers had developed a new traffic-management plan to address the heavier congestion normally associated with the reopening of schools.
Quammie said additional officers recently assigned to the department would be deployed alongside existing personnel at key traffic-control points.
Motorcycle officers and uniformed police are expected to patrol Friars Hill Road, All Saints Road and Valley Road between 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., when school traffic is at its heaviest.
“You will see us on the road more often,” Quammie said during the Browne and Browne Show.
Police will also focus on congestion near Princess Margaret School, Mary E. Pigott Primary School, T.N. Kirnon Primary School and Ottos Comprehensive School.
Officers are expected to provide assistance in other heavily travelled areas, including Joseph Lane, Kentish Road and the vicinity of Antigua Plumbing and Hardware.
Quammie warned that police would enforce established one-way traffic arrangements near schools and issue tickets to drivers travelling in the wrong direction.
He appealed to parents and other motorists to leave home at least 30 minutes earlier during the morning rush rather than speeding or driving recklessly to make up for lost time.
“If you’re late, you’re late,” Quammie said. “Don’t try to rush and try to make up time.”
Motorists were also reminded to ensure that their vehicles are insured and licensed and that their driver’s licences remain valid.
Quammie said the visible presence of police officers could significantly improve compliance and reduce dangerous driving, even when officers were not actively issuing tickets.
The increased deployment forms part of a wider effort to improve traffic flow and protect students, parents and other road users during the busy school period.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Police Increase Morning Traffic Deployment as Schools Reopen.