Dear Editor,
I was given a very disturbing reason as to why parking on Parade St. Kingston, outside of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, has been stopped. As the story goes, it is alleged that a very high-ranking officer of the GPF was upset that he had to wait on traffic, entering and leaving the hospital, which was further impeded by motorists parked on both sides of the street, including upon the paved sidewalk, and so ordered that parking on both sides be halted immediately.
If this story is true, then it is wrong and should be investigated. It is disturbing that an on-the-spot decision can be so indiscriminately made when a police rank is inconvenienced, while there is no concern for all other tax-paying citizens who must wait and battle their way through our small, crowded streets all over the city, while at the same time having to deal with discourteous and lawless driving. I fully agree that there should only be parking on the eastern side of the street, and that the traffic rank who has since been posted, can be better utilized to control parking there. Some crude pieces of lumber have been laid on the eastern side by the police to prevent parking and some of it create a traffic obstruction.
With regards to the Hospital entrance, this need to be better managed to allow for a smoother traffic flow, as vehicles attempt to enter from the north and south of Parade St, while those leaving the hospital are also trying to leave through its only gate, which is always only half open. Security at the gate further compromise the situation by being totally oblivious of what’s going on as traffic build up on the street and in their own compound. My suggestion is that both sides of the gate be opened, or manned, by hospital security especially during peak hours, if not always so traffic can flow in and out easily.
There is a sign on the gate which prohibits stopping, or turning, on the bridge but that too is not observed or enforced. Upon entering the hospital, drivers park their cars a short distance from the one opened gate, while they go for their COVID check, effectively blocking those behind from entering. Hospital management along with their security, and some help from the Police Traffic Department, should most definitely be able to design a more convenient strategy favourable to all concerned.
Sincerely,
Name and Address Provided
