In other transport news that has a major effect on public road safety, the Ministry announced today that contractors moving houses and other oversized structures on the highways can now do so only late at night and in the early morning.
CEO Chester explained the new regulations and the rationale:
Chester Williams, CEO - Transport
"We do understand the need for for the, the business people to be able to move their hoses from point A to point B, but we also have to understand the the need for commuters and users, users of the highway, to be able to use the highway, as much as possible without any impediment."
"And, the houses on our highways, during the day and especially at times during peak hours, certainly renders our commuters and other road users, to some extent makes them makes it inadequate for them, to be able to, to, to traverse the roadways. And so we, we looked at the whole situation, we tried to find a time when, we believe that it is going to be less inconvenient, to the other road users."
"So the analysis we did showed that the less or the least traffic is, in the evening time or in the night time between 9 p.m. and, 4 a.m.. And so we decided that we were going to allow the houses to be moved on the highways between that time, again, I know it not going to be convenient to everybody. They are going to be doing so they still have their, their negative comments."
"We're hoping that people will see it as a balancing act and, they are going to embrace it. And I must hope that the, the people who are engaged in this movement of houses, that they're going to comply with these new rules, to make sure that the road users are not inconvenient, during the week and on and doing peak hours."
Jules Vasquez
"Did you all consult with the builders or the contractors who move these houses?"
Chester Williams, CEO - Transport
"I don't think that we need to consult with them. But as a matter of courtesy, I have asked the CTO to invite them to our meeting in build up, and, we will meet with them and explain to them, what is it that we're doing and why we're doing what we're doing, and likewise to ensure that we get their support. Even though, yes, there are laws that within it's these things we we we don't want to unjustly punish people."
Jules Vasquez
"Aren't you concerned that you amplify hazards by having the vehicles on the road strictly at night, and also that you increase costs because whoever is transporting it will have to be paid overtime since it's after hours."
Chester Williams, CEO - Transport
"Well, at the end of the day, they want to move their houses. It will come with a cost to them. They will have to take the costs. And again, we are strict that these, escorts must have two vehicles, one lead vehicle and one rear guard."
