Pothole campaign seeks 50k signatures for road repairs

A motorcycle passenger’s death in a crash that may have involved an unmarked pothole has sparked a Caribbean-wide online campaign petitioning governments to prioritise pothole repairs.

The Pothole Lobby, formed in Barbados and other Caribbean countries by digital entrepreneur and social advocate Charles Lewis, aims to collect at least 50 000 signatures.

Lewis, owner and founder of the US-based technology company Spice Holdings LLC told Barbados TODAY: “The Caribbean-wide road safety initiative is calling on road users to report potholes and sign a petition urging governments across the region to fix them. The campaign asks road authorities to prioritise hazards on busy routes and give communities clearer updates on when repairs are scheduled and completed.

“A single pothole can leave a driver with a damaged tyre or wheel. On a busy road, it can also cause a driver to swerve suddenly and can be especially dangerous for cyclists and motorcyclists. A report that pinpoints the hazard can help other road users avoid it and show authorities where repairs are needed.”

The businessman, whose company built the online portal potholelobby.com, is urging Barbadians to sign the petition and share it with others.

As of midday on Thursday, 30 Barbadians had signed the petition, joining 800 others across the region, Lewis said.

He suggested that anyone reporting a pothole should include the road name and a nearby landmark or map pin.

He said: “If it is safe to do so, add a photo after parking. Taxi and bus operators, delivery drivers, and residents can help identify hazards on the routes they use every day.”  

On Monday, road safety advocates called for better warnings at roadworks sites and action on road hazards following the death on Saturday night of a motorcycle passenger in St Philip.

Zidon Gooding, 24, of Parish Land, Christ Church, was a pillion rider on a motorcycle heading towards Grantley Adams International Airport when he fell off.

He was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital where he died.

Police have not confirmed the cause of the crash.

Road safety campaigner and former police officer Roland Lowe told Barbados TODAY that motorists’ behaviour and road conditions were important factors in road safety.

Discussions among members of the Barbados Road Safety Association underscored the need for greater concentration behind the wheel, he said, stressing that poor road conditions could also affect motorists’ ability to manoeuvre safely.

Lowe said: “When I was a police officer, and we were at accidents, there was always an area for contributing factors and the condition of the roadway.”

He acknowledged efforts by the Ministry of Transport to address potholes, but said inadequate lighting, road markings and overhanging trees could also create hazards.

Lowe urged motorists to remain vigilant and report potholes, poor visibility and inadequate road markings to the ministry.

(EJ)