the persistent road traffic congestion on the A4 at Triolet during peak hours, on the stretch thereof from t…
(No. B/349) Mr K. Rookny (Third Member for Pamplemousses & Triolet) asked the Minister of Land Transport whether, in regard to the persistent road traffic congestion on the A4 at Triolet during peak hours, on the stretch thereof from the Total Energies Service Station to the Fire Services Station, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Traffic Management and Road Safety Unit, information as to whether road markings, including double yellow lines, have been uniformly implemented and enforced thereat and, if not, indicate – (a) the reasons therefor, and (b) whether consideration will be given for urgent corrective measures to be taken in relation thereto.
Madam Speaker, I am informed by the TMRSU that the stretch of road in Triolet from Total Energies Service Station up to the Fire Services Station along the Terre Rouge-Triolet-Grand Baie A4 road is approximately 4.5 kilometres long and is a vital artery for vehicular traffic that experiences significant pressure during peak hours. A technical assessment carried out indicates that the primary cause of congestion in this area is chronic on-site and haphazard parking. This is largely attributed to the high number of vehicles, high volume of commercial activities in the area where businesses operate without adequate off-street parking for customers and delivery vehicles. As regards part (a) of the question, I am advised that double yellow lines are present along the majority of the stretch of the road referred to above. However, their effectiveness is being undermined by persistent non-compliance by drivers, recurrent obstruction to private accesses and illegal curb side parking continue to impede the smooth traffic flow. Enforcement of compliance with road markings rest with the Police. My Ministry coordinates with them to step up enforcement in the region, particularly during peak hours with a view to easing the traffic problems being experienced. The TMRSU has been tasked also to conduct a fresh site visit to determine if additional interventions in terms of refreshed markings or other traffic measures are required to deal with the problem. In the same context, I look forward to collaboration from my colleague, the hon. Minister of Local Government, also elected Member hon. Woochit of Constituency No. 5, where Triolet is located, to redrawing of yellow lines where needed. As a matter of fact, the hon. Minister and I had working sessions on this subject last year and some very positive decisions had been reached, particularly on how we can expedite matters on road markings. We need to put these recommendations into action. Where necessary, we will have to rope in the RDA of my colleague, the hon. Ajay Gunness’ Ministry as well. Madam Speaker, while we impose fines and penalties to maintain smooth traffic flow and road safety, it is important to recognise that enforcement alone cannot be the sole solution. The public must also take collective responsibility and be introspective for their actions and their adverse impact on the road users by respecting parking regulations and being mindful of how their behaviour affects traffic flow. Responsible parking does not only reduce congestion but also ensures that the road infrastructure serves its real purpose for the welfare and good of the community at large. Moreover, Madam Speaker, if last Friday’s Cabinet decision on the promotion of carpooling is adhered to, especially during peak hours, this will go a long way towards reducing traffic congestion, not only in Triolet but island wide. The more so, important in the present context where the price of fuel has skyrocketed, thereby impacting heavily on our economy. As a matter of interest, in relation to the Cabinet decision to favour carpooling, this morning, in fact, my Ministry has received from proponents of carpooling their wish to assist Government in this endeavour by availing the latest technology, that means apps and AI. These proponents are already using that technology with a few private enterprises in Mauritius. I shall be meeting with them, on their request, to see how we can move this important initiative of Government forward. Thank you.
Thank you. Yes, hon. Rookny!
Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister mentioned the use of apps. Is he aware that there is also trade unions that are opposing the use of these apps. Will he advise how will this affect their business?
Do you mean against using the apps that promote carpooling? The apps that I referred to are to promote, people can go into these apps to hop on onto a vehicle that is willing to provide carpooling facilities. Is this what you are saying?
Uber.
No, Uber is… Sorry.
I cannot follow. What was the answer, hon. Minister?
The hon. Member had questioned me on the apps that…
Yes, I know but what did you reply?
The apps that I referred to in my substantive reply, Madam Speaker, refer to apps that seek to promote carpooling. That means people who have spare capacity in their cars can offer seats to other people. This will go a long way to reduce…
Okay, car pooling.
Carpooling, yes. An hon. Member: Car fooling!
You are right, yes.
Will the hon. Minister advise the House if he is aware the chronical problems he mentioned also spread to the laterals of the Triolet main road that feeds that road?
Yes, I am sure it does…
We are still on double lines, right?
And in Triolet.
Right.
In Triolet. I am sure it does, Madam Speaker, because if the main road is congested, those coming from the lateral certainly be blocked.
Every way.
That is why we need to reduce the number of vehicles and the business owners along that stretch of the road have to make sure that their clients do not park their cars on that vital artery of Triolet.
Okay, good. We have got it. We have got a little bit more time now. Hon. Beejan! CONSTITUENCY NO. 6 – BUS ROUTES – COVERED BUS SHELTERS - INSTALLATION