Minister: Policy breach in traffic flow changes

Minister of Transport and Works Ian Gooding-Edghill says recent controversial changes to traffic flow in the Warrens area were executed without either his authorisation or that of his Permanent Secretary.

And speaking on Voice of Barbados’ Brass Tacks call-in radio programme today, he said he plans to get to the bottom of the situation that led to the sudden change in the traffic flow between the Everton Weekes Roundabout and upper Green Hill.

“Our policy is that if any major works of a disruptive nature are being considered, our technical staff should first inform the Permanent Secretary, who will then speak to the Minister. Following that, based on the nature of the project, the Minister will either make a policy decision or refer it to the Cabinet before work can commence,” said Gooding-Edghill who recently took up the post.

“This work at Green Hill was never discussed with the Permanent Secretary, nor with me; therefore, there was a breach in policy. . . . I was deeply troubled by it and I advised the Permanent Secretary to go back to the original position with the right turn at the Dome Mall when motorists come from the Everton Weekes Roundabout going to Bridgetown.”

The show’s moderator, Dennis Johnson, pointed out that the radio station had received a notice signed by someone acting on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, stating that road markings would be painted in the Green Hill area between August 28 and September 4, “to provide better guidance for traffic flow and pedestrian safety”.

However, Gooding-Edghill said neither he nor the Permanent Secretary was aware of this notice.

“When undertaking works of this nature you have to consult with the motorists and business partners operating in the area who depend on traffic flow for their operations, and this was done without any consultation,” he stressed.

“We have a weekly Minister’s meeting with the management, and I can tell you categorically that I will ask for a report to determine where there was a breakdown. This is not to penalise anyone or pass blame, but to advise the public there was a breakdown in policy which resulted in an untenable and unacceptable situation, and we had the alacrity to effect the necessary changes.”

The Transport Minister said since the changes, traffic has been flowing freely again.

“These things happen, but when they occur, you have to be proactive and effect change,” he said. (DH)