The National Road Operating and Constructing Company Limited (NROCC) says it is in discussion with China Harbour Engineering Company Limited to address safety issues along the newly opened May Pen to Williamsfield leg of Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project (SCHIP).

Moments after the opening of the highway, there were reports of stray animals on the high-speed dual-speed roadway that posed a danger to motorists. Additionally, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) was alerted to motorists driving on the wrong side of the roadway.

The NROCC, in a release, said the theft of fencing materials is an issue plaguing sections of the highway. They pleaded with citizens to refrain from such activities.

“The JCF has also indicated that they have increased their overall presence on the May Pen to Williamsfield highway to address other breaches, including speeding on the highway. They have indicated that a number of tickets have already been issued,” NROCC said.

Additionally, the JCF is said to have increased surveillance along the highway, so that those who breach the speed limit can be prosecuted.

Lack of effective signs

The issue of motorists driving on the wrong side of the road is said to be because of the lack of effective signs on the highway.

Vice-chairman of the National Road Safety Council, Dr Lucien Jones, in an interview local radio shared that though there are signs on the highway, they are difficult to see at night.

“The kind of signage that is required to attend the opening of that road, in some instances, it’s not up to par. They have opened the road, but they are now hastening to put up the signs, and perhaps it would have been good if both had been done in concert,” said Jones.

There has been one reported crash on the highway. Reports are that a heavy-duty vehicle had popped a tire, resulting in the crash. There were no injuries sustained.