The Editor, Sir:

I recently visited Jamaica from the United Kingdom with my family for the Christmas holidays. Unlike other times, we decided to stay with families in Portmore and Kingston. Normally, we would have stayed on the north coast and let JUTA Tours do the driving.

Having heard how wonderful the new toll roads would reduce commuting time to a fraction, we decided to hire a car for our comfort.

Wishful thinking. The roads in the environs of Portmore and Kingston are appalling. They are a catalogue of problems. Most of the main roads had no markings. The markings for pedestrian crossings are almost non-existent, let alone any poles at the crossing on either side of the road to indicate to motorists that they are approaching a pedestrian crossing.

Potholes were moon-like craters, more so on Marcus Garvey Drive and on the bend at some roundabouts. It's a death trap approaching most of these roundabouts, especially at nights as there are no reflector barriers or signs to warn of a roundabout approach.

While there are a lot drivers who do not obey the road code, based on my own eyewitness account, I believe the very bad road conditions contribute to traffic congestion, motor vehicle accidents, and pedestrian casualties.

I am imploring the NWA to ensure the safety of both motorists and pedestrians.

I am, etc.,

PATRICK

actoinphat@hotmail.com

Islington, London

Via Go-Jamaica