Dear Editor,
I am compelled to raise a growing and deeply concerning issue that affects thousands of road users across St. John’s and its environs: the persistent failure of traffic lights at several major intersections.
Imagine driving and approaching an intersection where the light isn’t working, no one wants to stop, and everyone barrels through as if we’re in a rallycross race. Can you imagine how dangerous that is for the public? But the real question is: who cares?
Let me take you on a drive and point out these faulty stop lights. We begin on Independence Avenue, right there by Everyday Gas Station, wait still on Independence Avenue, just a few meters up outside APUA. Let’s Head over to All Saints Road, by Robinson Gas Station, an area often crossed by children on their way to and from school. Let’s go into All Saints now, up the road from the police, right there by the gas station, that’s another intersection used by school children.
Now, let’s swing by the corner of Fort Road, Dickenson Bay Street, and Popeshead Streets, another malfunctioning signal, in a zone heavily used by school children and pedestrians. Oh and I won’t forget Valley Road, that by King George V Grounds dark again. Last stop, the most troubling of them all, the broken stoplight directly outside Golden Grove Primary School.
These aren’t backroads or low-traffic areas. These are routes travelled daily by drivers, buses, pedestrians, and our children. The absence of working traffic signals has turned these intersections into chaotic free-for-alls, where congestion and near misses are part of the daily commute.
Of all these, the one that keeps me up at night is the light outside Golden Grove Primary School. Young students are crossing that road during peak traffic hours without the protection of a functioning pedestrian signal. It’s not just dangerous, it’s a tragedy waiting to happen. And it’s entirely preventable.
Traffic lights are not cosmetic features of urban life; they are essential infrastructure. They maintain order, prevent collisions, and save lives. When they fail and continue to go unrepaired the risks escalate. The silence from the responsible agencies makes it even worse.
I am calling on the Ministry of Works and the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board to act with urgency. These lights must be fixed now. The safety of our citizens, especially our children, depends on it.
Thank you for the opportunity to bring attention to this pressing matter.
Sincerely,
Simone Davis
Once again, the traffic is flowing smoothly, but now someone is campaigning to stop it, causing a slowdown in traffic.
I’m in agreement with you. We are better off without the stop lights.
Indeed, you’re that guy. That dumb guy. I can’t even count using my fingers how many accidents happen at these stoplights. Almost every day there’s and accident at Robinson Gas station. Yes, the traffic flows smoothly but are there any safety? Thats the problem with you idiots, you only think of the easy and stressless way but never the danger and consequences. I agree with this letter. Cause nobody wants to stop. Especially at that Golden Grove junction, that King George junction and by Robinson’s. Nobody wants to stand up, everybody just kills speed from all ends. Thats a hazard for everyone right there. I strongly agree with this letter, and they should get these lights fixed.
Antigua Surf, go get a life.
IGNORANCE!Are we better off with a few people dead? Why have lights in the first place? Don’t you have them in your country, or the US, or the UK? Is anybody lobbying to remove them? NONSENSE!
Please, these lights are not even needed. Look how the traffic just moves. Considering how the traffic line could be long going right down to state college or right down to Sir Viv streets or right down to KFC or Right down to All Saints Secondary or right over to government house, right back to country pond, don’t talk about traffic all up by the fire station. I don’t know you simone but don’t spoil the fun. I work for eight and my son has to be at school for 7;55. I can’t take the traffic and both of us being late
I’m in agreement with you Rhea.
The traffic flow more smoothly when the traffic lights are off. These lights are jo even programmed properly. Most times they make it worse for us
Lol exactly. Ppl use their common sense when the light is not working.
I’m not sure if agree to this letter. The traffic in this country is worse than anything else and the traffic lights can be frustrating. Yes some drivers run the lights and don’t give us a chance but most times we get through without these traffic lights that takes ten hours to change
some OF THE STREET LIGHTS DONT MAKE SENSE AND OTHERS ARE CRUCIAL. Lets hope this gets fixed