DEPUTY police superintendent Norman Heywood yesterday urged the government to immediately carry out an islandwide engineering review of traffic accident “black spots” on the island thoroughfares, and develop strategic ways to reduce accidents at these locations.

Heywood, chairman of the Police Officers Association (POA), the organisation that represents officers above the rank of inspector, made the call while delivering a tribute at the funeral service for Superintendent Corneilus Walker at the Portmore Seventh-day Adventist Church in St Catherine.

Walker, 56, who served the force for 36 years, was killed in a traffic accident at the intersection of Pechon Street and Port Royal Street in downtown Kingston two weeks ago.

Heywood suggested that the review starts at the intersection of Pechon Street and Port Royal Street, where Superintendent Walker was killed.

He said that since 2005, 70 traffic accidents have occurred at the Pechon Street and Port Royal Street intersection, where the traffic lights are installed on posts. This, he said, has resulted in the death of one person, the injury of 78 persons, 24 seriously.

The deputy police superintendent also called for the removal of traffic lights on posts, and recommended instead the installation of overhead traffic lights, arguing that such lights would provide a better view for approaching motorists.

“Whatever it takes to ensure compliance with the Road Traffic Act must be done now. We are losing too many of our productive citizens on the streets. This demands immediate attention and so we have to be more proactive because the next victim could be you or me,” Heywood told the congregation.

Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas, in his tribute, said the police have stepped up surveillance on the road as a number of motorists “lacked attention” in their driving habits. The police chief said there were too many fatal accidents, and he appealed to motorists to observe the road code, which he said would significantly reduce traffic accidents.

Walker, who was thrown from his vehicle during the accident, was remembered by his colleagues as an astute criminal investigator, and a fearless and dedicated crime fighter who was a thorough and methodical investigator.

According to Assistant Commissioner Gilbert Kameka, Walker’s dedicated leadership as the superintendent in charge of crime in Area Four (Kingston) contributed to a 40 per cent reduction of crime there.

National Security Minister Dr Peter Phillips remembered Walker as a police officer who imputed his presence and his consciousness as a valuable, straightforward member of the police force.

Walker was buried in Amity, Westmoreland.