The introduction of strategic static patrols at a segment of the Solomon Hochoy Highway in Freeport is being praised for contributing to a 32 per cent reduction in road fatalities in Central Trinidad.
In a press release issued yesterday, the T&T Police Service (TTPS) said that the initiative was introduced near the Hi Way Roti Shop because the area had 11 fatal accidents resulting in 14 deaths since 2010.
Describing the location as the “Freeport Accident Hotspot”, the TTPS said that the highest fatalities occurred in 2014 with five.
In Central Division, between 2010 and 2017, there were 336 deaths resulting from 279 fatal road traffic accidents. From those deaths, 219 occur on the highway.
“Given the gravity of the situation and increasing complaints to the police to institute measures aimed at mitigating against the loss of life posed by motorists who park indiscriminately along the highway, as well as by passing vehicles, the strategic static patrols were introduced,” the release said.
The TTPS also stated that the issue had been raised by councillor for Freeport/Chickland Anil Balliram during a TTPS Town Meeting at Orange Field Hindu Primary School, Carapichaima, on September 6.
It stated that since the introduction of the patrols there have been no fatalities in the area.
“In addition to the discernible positive effect of the static patrols in saving lives, the strategic nature of the location also enables a tactical response to reports of criminal activities in the area east and west of the Freeport Overpass,” the release said.
The release made no reference to allegations over the patrols made by Opposition Senator Gerald Ramdeen.
Speaking during the debate of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act in the Senate on Tuesday, Ramdeen claimed that four police officers, in two vehicles, were stationed at the location to chase away the restaurant’s customers. Ramdeen alleged that the move was based on instructions from a senior police officer after the proprietor refused to cater his son’s wedding for free.
Ramdeen had called Faris Al-Rawi, who is a member of the National Security Council, to investigative.