Dear Editor,

Since the installation of speed bumps on Charlemont Drive in Hope Pastures, Hopeview Avenue has become an alternative route for speeding motorists, especially taxi drivers.

This creates an imminent and real danger to residents exiting their homes as well as those who are exercising. This roadway is, therefore, no longer safe for residents, and I am very concerned that the inevitable incident of a motor vehicle crash, which will result in fatalities and/or serious injuries, is close to happening .

Many people will recall the very recent unfortunate incident on Charlemont Drive where the Minister of Health Christopher Tufton was hit off his bicycle by a motorist. It is widely believed that this was the reason more speed bumps were thereafter installed along that stretch of roadway. These have certainly caused motorists to reduce their speed while travelling on it or simply resulted in the unruly ones resorting to the use of alternative routes, such as Hopeview Avenue, on which they can speed.

I am overly concerned for the safety of my family members and other residents of the Hopeview Avenue community, having observed on many occasions the high speed at which motorists use this thoroughfare, especially during peak hours.

The Hope Pastures community is a built-up residential area, and all motorists need to be reminded that such speeding is strictly prohibited. I am, therefore, calling on the authorities to immediately install speed bumps, similar to those on Charlemont Drive, along Hopeview Avenue, which will force motorists to reduce their speed.

Until this is done, I am also imploring the head of the traffic division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to maintain a presence along this route and enforce the applicable road traffic codes.

Jamaica’s road fatality rate is already high due to unruly motorists, and every effort must be made by all to help to prevent it from climbing any higher.

Paul A Cobourne

paul.cobourne@bglc.gov.jm