Speaking during the Seventh Sitting of the First Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) on October 17, 2019, Hon Rymer said:, "With increased economic activity in the tourism and financial business sectors and young people turning 18 years of age, we continue to see more motor vehicles on the roadways."

More cars on Roadways

The former Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) added that the further increases in economic activities anticipated as the diversification of the economy lifts off will put more strain on the territory's already limited and congested infrastructure.

Hon Rymer said his ministry, as a result, is working to find innovative strategic methods to address traffic congestion while fostering a pedestrian-friendly capital city.

"I am leading a comprehensive study on the traffic flows in the Road Town area with the inclusion of the RVIPF traffic unit, the Town and Country Planning Department, the Public Works Department, Dr Drexel Glasgow and the Ministry of Transportation Works and Utilities," Hon Rymer told the House.

He said the study will aid in taking the guesswork out of traffic management and planning, "as we look towards the short-medium and long term development programme."

In addition, the minister noted that in all countries, there are peak hours that promote the increased movement of traffic flows, hence, this creates bottlenecks and increases the disruption to efficient traffic flows.

Paid Parking in RT

Issues such as the need to redirect traffic, to outline movement of vehicles in and out of parking lots, in addition to reducing the need for a motorist to drive in the central capital city, are short term plans that should bring relief to traffic congestion.

Further, Hon Rymer noted that his Ministry is also working to create formalised parking at the Festival Grounds, a new shuttle service, implementing traffic counters, in addition to creating a one direction traffic loop in the capital city to dramatically improve traffic flows.

"Parking in the central capital will attract a fee and these funds will be contributed towards the upkeep of the parking and roadways in Roadtown."

He said the changes proposed will work to create a city that is pedestrian-friendly and improve the quality of life for citizens, residents and visitors.