By Val Matthias. Updated 4:18 p.m., Monday, May 11, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Physical Planning, Nigel Stephenson says a government-commissioned traffic study has identified several measures aimed at easing congestion into and out of Kingstown, including the reintroduction of traffic lights, a shuttle transport system and the possible construction of a roundabout.
Speaking on National Broadcasting Corporation Radio’s (NBC Radio’s) Face to Face morning programme, Mr Stephenson said the study examined ways to address persistent traffic problems in the area and concluded that a combination of solutions would be needed.
“This study that we were conducting is to see how we can alleviate the problem that occurs in that vicinity,” the minister said.
He explained that one proposal involves the introduction of a roundabout, although he stressed that it would not by itself solve the traffic challenges.
“I’m not saying to all people that a roundabout is going to be a panacea to the problem,” he said, adding that if properly designed and constructed, it could significantly improve commuting in the area.
Mr Stephenson said the study was largely complete and that investors were already prepared to move forward with the project.
According to the minister, the findings also support the reintroduction of traffic lights in the area to work alongside the roundabout system.
“A roundabout by itself is not going to solve the problem,” he said. “We need to have, according to the study, the reintroduction of the traffic light system.”
He argued that traffic signals would help improve driver discipline and reduce the likelihood of accidents around the proposed roundabout.
The study has additionally recommended the introduction of a reversible lane system into and out of Kingstown to better manage traffic during peak commuting periods.
Mr Stephenson said the proposal would allow two lanes of traffic heading into Kingstown during the morning rush hour, while in the evenings, two lanes would operate in the opposite direction to accommodate outbound traffic.
“At present, we only have one lane going out, one lane going in,” he said. “The study has now shown that we can accommodate an additional lane into Kingstown.”
The minister also outlined plans for what he described as a “transit operation system” aimed at reducing the number of private vehicles entering the capital.
Under the proposal, transport hubs would be established outside Kingstown, where commuters could park their vehicles before being transported into the city by shuttle service.
Mr Stephenson said one possible location for a western hub was near Campden Park, while another site was being considered near the playing field on the opposite end of the island.
He said the initiative would also encourage carpooling, which he argued could help reduce congestion caused by single-occupancy vehicles.
“One of the major problems that we have in this country is that if there was a survey of the number of vehicles driving into Kingstown from both ends, you would see that the occupant for the most part is the driver,” he said.
The minister indicated that additional measures were also under consideration as part of the wider effort to improve traffic flow and commuter experience.
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