In an effort to address the escalating traffic congestion and operational inefficiencies at Port Castries, stakeholders have agreed to a series of measures aimed at improving the situation.
Key recommendations include the creation of designated queuing zones for truckers, redirection of certain containers, improved scheduling systems for container pickups, and expedited delivery for eligible truckers. Additionally, the possibility of night-time container collection will be explored to ease daytime congestion.
These actions were agreed after in-depth discussions facilitated by the St Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture. The meeting brought together the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA), the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF), and representatives of the trucking sector, to discuss solutions to ease the traffic congestion caused by trucks queuing on streets near the Port.
During the meeting which was chaired by the Chamber’s Executive Director, Brian Louisy, SLASPA’s Director of Seaports Adrian Hilaire identified key operational challenges, such as limited port space, delays in container movement, and congestion impacting vehicle flow.
The RSLPF also highlighted the negative effects of illegal truck parking on city traffic and reiterated their commitment to restoring order.
Meanwhile, truckers voiced concerns about delays due to limited queuing options, inefficiencies in the container release system, and long waiting times.
The discussion culminated in a series of actionable recommendations aimed at resolving the challenges, according to a statement form the Chamber.
As an immediate step, SLASPA will work to make the Banan’s Bay Area a queuing zone for truckers. Designated queuing zones are also to be established in the north and south; southern-bound containers will be redirected to Vieux Fort Sea Port; scheduling systems for container pickup will be improved to minimise delays and congestion on the streets; and container delivery will be expedited for truckers who meet all requirements.
Additionally, stakeholders agreed to “seriously explore implementing night container collection to reduce daytime congestion.”
“The Chamber and SLASPA will work together to explore immediate solutions, including and most particularly by SLASPA the utilising of Banan’s Bay for temporary queuing and also on convening a high-level meeting with the Customs & Excise Department and other related government agencies to address operational challenges,” the press releases said.
The Chamber added that it remains committed to fostering collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure practical, sustainable solutions that support national development and contribute to a thriving business environment.
