St Michael folk demand action against dangerous drivers

Reckless driving and speeding motorcyclists have turned once-peaceful St Michael neighbourhoods into hazardous zones, prompting residents to demand swift action during the final Parish Speaks town hall at Solidarity House on Monday.

Fears for children’s safety dominated discussions as the meeting explored solutions to restore road safety and community tranquillity. Residents described growing frustration with the dangers posed by speeding vehicles, particularly motorcycles, in their communities. Suggested solutions ranged from installing speed bumps to creating designated motorcycling spaces at Bushy Park, St Philip.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw addressed the forum, responding directly to the impassioned pleas of constituents. 

Recounting a personal experience, Mottley underscored the gravity of the issue.

“Just before coming here, a scrambler bike went through so hard and so loud in a road that’s got apartments with little children living in them,” she said. “The roads of Barbados are not made for people to breach the Road Traffic Act and the speed limits, or to cause anybody danger, or to cause anybody to lose their life.” 

Her remarks resonated with Bank Hall resident Cassandra Bynoe, who highlighted similar issues in her neighbourhood: “Marshall Road has become a major tributary, morning, noon, and night . . . . The unofficial neighbourhood watch has asked and has written to the [Ministry of Transport and Works] to have some sleeping policemen put in the road, and that is to stop the motorcyclists from veering all through the district.” 

In response, Bradshaw outlined the government’s efforts to address road safety concerns.

“We understand the urgency,” she said. “Speed bumps are being prioritised in areas where these dangerous behaviours are most prevalent. However, resources are finite, and we are balancing the need to address long-standing road maintenance issues while improving road safety.” 

While reiterating the government’s commitment to comprehensive road safety measures, Bradshaw called for collective responsibility.

“Real change will come when communities take ownership of their roads and their safety,” she added. 

She urged residents to report hazards through the Ministry of Transport and Works’ online platform, adding that plans for road repairs and safety upgrades are set to commence after the rainy season. 

Prime Minister Mottley urged decisive action to prevent further tragedies: “Let us not wait for another accident, another tragedy. Let us act—for our communities, for our children, and for our future.”

She announced plans for safer riding spaces in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and the National Sports Council. “[They have] already entered into an agreement on Bushy Park . . . . I have asked them now to look at the drag track. . . and, if necessary, we’ll find a dirt track for those who got scramblers.” 

The discussion also broadened to touch on deeper social issues. Kathy Harris highlighted the need for counsellors in primary schools and community engagement programmes to combat underlying societal problems.

“We need counsellors . . . so that we can get to these little children and get in their heads before they get to secondary school, where they then create a problem,” she said. 

Mottley echoed these sentiments, emphasising the importance of rebuilding community clubs and support structures to strengthen societal bonds: “This is a 30-year problem that we are working to break. These initiatives won’t come from the top down; they must emerge from within our neighbourhoods.” (RG)