THE EDITOR, Sir:

WHEN ARE we going to stop this absolute nonsense of 'speed traps' in so-called '50km zones' without any or any adequate signs or warnings of the change from 80km to 50km? The North Coast Highway is replete with them. For example, in Runaway Bay, Salem, Drax Hall and Dunn's River. I am already hearing the usual uninformed refrain "but there are 50km zone signs?"

What the authorities have actually done is to erect, as you approach from either direction, one single sign saying 50km or 80km, as the case may be. I am uncertain whether the form and layout are even gazetted, as it appears to be quite different from the traditional red sign which I seem to recall 'back in the day' was gazetted. But the law is not a shackle?

Clear danger

So you are driving along the new North Coast Highway at 80km and if you have 20/20 vision and are lucky, you (a) might glimpse the lone 50km sign, (b) with sudden breaking, may well be able to slow to 50km in time and (c) again, if lucky, avoid the rear ending you are likely to get from the other driver behind you faced with your action. If you don't see the sign, well 'tough tits'.

It would be too much, I suppose, to request say three signs in a series, making the speed limit clear and more likely to be seen. I am here assuming that this is the intent. For example, you are entering a 50km zone 1,000ft, 500ft to 50km zone and 100ft to 50km zone, etc.

This is done in all civilised countries and even right here in Jamaica, in the case of Highway 2000, to advise of the Spanish Town exit.

More signs needed

Instead, one single sign, which a high percentage of us will in all probability miss? Local residents having already been caught in the early days, know what to avoid, leaving the uninformed 'out of towner' as cannon fodder for the police for the heinous crime of going 70km in a 50km 'zone' along an inadequately signed, newly built highway.

What one also notices is that there seems to be very few attempts to nab the persons going 110km in the 80km zone by similar traps where far more damage is done when there is a mishap.

I am, etc.,

Donovan Jackson

djackson@nsdco.com

Kingston 10