Motorists ignore priority lane rule

 By HENRY PAMBU

ROAD traffic authorities in Port Moresby are concerned about motorists continuing to use the designated “priority lane” despite warnings to stop.

Central Province Transport Authority enforcement manager Douglas Harry told The National that National Road Safety Council chief executive officer Nelson Terema had been warning motorists to stay out of the lane allocated for vehicles transporting Pacific Games teams.

He said some motorists were caught yesterday morning using the lane near the Waigani traffic lights, even running over the cones identifying the lane.

“There are plenty (of motorists abusing the priority lane),” he said.

The infringements usually occur during the morning rush hour.

Some people living in Moresby North-West have been affected by the changes since Friday, with the traffic queue stretching from Waigani to as far as Gerehu. 

The traffic flow is further compounded by a bottleneck in Gerehu caused by road works undertaken from the roundabout towards the clinic.

Vehicle owner Kora Mea said although he was disappointed with the new arrangement of the lanes, it was important to follow the instructions by road traffic authorities.

“It’s what the traffic officers have put in place so we must follow (instructions),” he said.

Mea pointed out that even though the queue was frustrating, motorists should not use the priority lane.