Commuters can brace for heavy traffic in downtown Port-of-Spain this morning due to temporary traffic restrictions being implemented by police to facilitate the ceremonial opening of the 2015/2016 Law Term.
In a press release issued yesterday, the T&T Police Service’s Public Affairs Unit warned the public of temporary road closures, parking restrictions and relocation of two major taxi stands located in the vicinity of this morning’s activities.
Between 9 am and 1 pm, vehicular traffic will be prohibited on St Vincent Street, between Duke and Queen Streets; Hart Street; Abercromby Street, between Independence Square North and Park Street and Knox Street.
Drivers driving east along Sackville Street will have to turn north onto Edward Street; west along Duke Street shall turn south onto Frederick Street and those driving south along St Vincent Street shall turn west onto Duke Street.
There will also be no parking from Duke Street and Independence Square and between Edward Street and Henry Street.
“Notwithstanding the above parking restrictions, vehicles belonging to the Police Service and the Defence Force may park on the eastern side of Edward Street, between Queen Street and Sackville Street,” the release said.
In addition to the driving and parking restrictions, the St Ann’s and St James taxi stands both located on Hart Street will be relocated.
“Taxi drivers and commuters are also advised that a taxi plying the St Ann’s route from Hart Street, shall operate from the southern side of Queen Street and Abercromby Street while taxi drivers plying the St James route from Hart Street shall operate from the western side of Henry Street, between Prince Street and Duke Street,” the release said.
The Police Service warned that anyone in contravention of the restrictions may have their vehicles impounded and face a fined.
The ceremonial opening begins with an inter-faith service at the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, Abercromby Street, from 10 am.
Following the service there will be a procession along Abercromby Street to the Hall of Justice on Knox Street where Chief Justice, Ivor Archie will inspect the a Guard of Honour of members of the Police Service.
Archie then deliver his annual address at the Convocation Hall and formerly declare the 2015/2016 law term open, where he will give an account of the Judiciary’s performance over the last year and new projects for the coming year.
Judges, magistrates and lawyers will also be present to join Archie for the short walk from the church to the Hall of Justice.
Newly-elected Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi are also expected to be in attendance. The opening marks the end of the Judiciary annual vacation period with criminal and civil cases resuming from tomorrow.
Traffic restrictions
Between the hours of 6 am and 2 pm parking will be prohibited on:
(a) St Vincent Street, between Duke Street and Independence Square North;
(b) Sackville Street, between Richmond Street and St Vincent Street;
(c) Abercromby Street, between Independence Square North and Park Street;
(d) Knox Street, between St Vincent Street and Frederick Street;
(e) Edward Street, between Independence Square North and Park Street;
(f) Hart Street;
(g) Duke Street, between Frederick Street and Edward Street;
(h) Pembroke Street, between Knox Street and Park Street;
(i) Henry Street, between Independence Square North and Park Street;
(j) Queen Street, between Frederick Street and Edward Street; and
(k) the Red House grounds.
Members of the public should also note that between the hours of 9 am and 1 pm vehicular traffic will be prohibited on the following roads:
(a) St Vincent Street, between Duke Street and Queen Street;
(b) Hart Street;
(c) Abercromby Street, between Independence Square North and Park Street and
(d) Knox Street.
Additionally, vehicular traffic will be diverted from 9 am to 1 pm along Sackville, Duke and St Vincent Streets. Drivers proceeding:
(a) east along Sackville Street, shall turn north onto Edward Street;
(b) west along Duke Street, shall turn south onto Frederick Street; and
(c) south along St Vincent Street, shall turn west onto Duke Street.