RSIPF respond to traffic queue issue in Honiara

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Traffic Department has responded to a call by a member of the public regarding the ongoing traffic congestion created at the City Council and Central Market bus stops in Honiara.

Director National Traffic Department Superintendent Fredrick Satu says, “I respect the call in regards to this ongoing traffic issues. The traffic congestion referred to is created by public buses.”

He adds: “My officers are doing their part to educate bus drivers to use those bus stops properly and not to park for more than 10 to 20 minutes calling and waiting for passengers creating the queues as we all experience.”

Superintendent Satu explains, “The RSIPF understands the need for a long term solution and have been working in partnership with the Honiara City Council (HCC), Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industries (SICCI), Ministry of Infrastructure (MID), local vendors and chiefs to address a number of issues relating to road safety and traffic congestion.”

“The partnership is currently working towards the formation of the Road Transport Board, a legislative body that would allow authorities to issue breach notices under sections of the Transport Act.”

Superintendent Satu adds: “The formation of the Road Transport Board would allow the HCC to issue infringement notices to buses that were obstructing traffic or parked illegally at the Magistrates Court Bus Stop or illegally parked at the Fishing Village Market. It would also give the RSIPF a greater ability to enforce other road safety matters by use of infringement notices and fines.”

“Due to ongoing operational commitments the officers of the RSIPF can’t stand at the bus stops for the whole day and control the buses. Bus drivers must also do their part. We are working to change the attitude of bus drivers to use the bus stops properly,” says Superintendent Satu.

He adds: “At the Central Market bus stop, stops for each destination are clearly identified as far as the GPPOL bus bay but drivers seem not to comply with those instructions or bus stop signs resulting in long queues.”

“The same thing also happens at the Fishing Village Market and the Lungga Market bus stop with drivers blatantly ignoring the police advice on how to use the road safely.”

“I appeal to passengers who normally use the bus stops to make your way straight to where you should wait instead of waiting at the entrance of the bus bay. Bus drivers please stop right at the picking and drop off point, and don’t pick passengers at the entrance of the bay.”
Superintendent Satu says, “It comes back to us road users. Let us respect each other while we use the road as we wait for MID to erect traffic signs that will hopefully ease the flow of traffic.”