Avoiding CWC traffic chaos
Editorial
Guyana Chronicle
March 21, 2007
THE welcome flags are up and the countdown to the Cricket World Cup matches here is well and truly on.
Officials are assuring that all systems are in train for the grand international event and all stakeholders are pulling out the stops to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Special night courts are in place for the speedy trial of those caught breaking the Sunset legislation in place for the tournament.
And as part of the arrangements for the smooth running off of the Super Eight matches here, the Guyana Police Force yesterday announced traffic arrangements that would be implemented for the duration.
Vehicles would not be allowed on certain roads, including main arteries in and out of the city, and the authorities have to ensure that the widest possible publicity be given to these traffic restrictions to avoid chaos that can arise from people not being aware of the special traffic arrangements.
The statutory publication of the order in the newspapers would not be sufficient for this event and maximum use has to be made of television and radio to let people know about the road restrictions for CWC.
While the buzz would be all about CWC before and after the matches here, people still have to go about their every day business and those not aware of where and when they would not be allowed to drive can create unexpected chaos and confusion, and run into undue problems with the law.
If plans are not in place, we suggest that an urgent and sustained publicity programme be mounted to spread the traffic restrictions message – especially on TV during current CWC matches.
People should also be advised what alternative routes they can use to go about their business during this period and nothing should be left to chance, hoping that everybody would somehow get the message.
Nothing should be left to chance and measures as integral as ensuring smooth traffic flow and no huge snarls have to be given top priority.
Simple, readable and well thought out advisories broadcast constantly on radio and TV, and similar messages published in the newspapers, would greatly help to avoid bottlenecks and rampant frustration that could result if the word is not effectively spread.
The road message has to be taken to the people effectively and timely.