The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is working with its partners and the community as part of the Fishing Village Market Working Group, to provide a safe environment for vehicles travelling eastbound and westbound on the Kukum Highway near the Fishing Village Market.
The Group is spear headed by Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industries (SICCI) in partnership with the RSIP, Ministry of Infrastructure and Development, Fishing Village Chiefs and Market vendors, and the Honiara City Council. It is focused on finding a long term sustainable solution to the issue of traffic congestion in this area. One of the main causes of the congestion are road users who park dangerously and inconsiderately blocking traffic travelling along the Kukum Highway.
In order to ease congestion and the danger to road users and the community, the RSIPF Kukum Traffic Centre is collaborating with the Working Group to produce an educational pamphlet outlining the offence of dangerous parking and it’s penalties under the Road Traffic Act (131).
The RSIPF will combine the educational program with its continued enforcement where necessary.
The Director of Traffic, Inspector Brian Surimalefo says, “Kukum Traffic officers will be out in force in the community and will concentrate on the Fishing Village Market during peak times. This Sunday 11 November 2018, the Officers will be conducting an operation at the Market focused on public safety.”
Inspector Surimalefo explains: “We will be erecting ‘NO PARKING’ signs opposite the Market as well as directly outside the Market, and continue with our Road Safety awareness about dangerous parking to drivers. We will also speak with market vendors about if they can move their market stalls and goods in further, off the pavements or the foot paths back inside, keeping those areas clear for pedestrians.”
After this period of Road Safety Awareness on Dangerous Parking police will monitor the said location and if drivers choose to still ignore the rules about parking then police will start arresting drivers for the offence of “Leaving vehicle in a dangerous position”.
Inspector Surimalefo adds: “Whilst police regret any inconvenience, these necessary measures are being put in place to keep the community safe. The general public and those using the road should not be inconvenienced by people who won’t obey the road rules. To combat this, my officers will be handing out brochures on road safety and the law but also arresting offenders where necessary.”
The RSIPF is also working with its partners and the Road Transport Board to have signs erected and introduce Traffic Infringement Notices which can be issued so greater enforcement measures can be undertaken when necessary.
The RSIPF reminds all members of the community that road safety is everyone’s responsibility so let’s work together.