Traffic flows smoothly along routes to Sabina
THE setting up of park-and-ride venues and the strategic posting of the police yesterday contributed to the smooth flow of traffic along the routes to Sabina Park in Kingston, the venue for yesterday’s first ever Cricket World Cup match in the Caribbean, played between the West Indies and Pakistan.
Although there were lines of vehicles streaming to and fro from different points on South Camp Road, a major route to Sabina Park, the flow of traffic moved freely and delays were at a minimum.
Police officers were well-positioned to direct motorists to designated parking areas and also kept vehicles outside the ‘safe zone’ around the international cricketing ground.
Buses operated by the Jamaica Urban Transit Company, shuttled cricket fans from the park-and-ride facilities at Up Park Camp, the UDC car park in downtown Kingston, Elletson Road Police Station, National Stadium and National Heroes Circle to the Old Santos football ground at the intersection of South Camp and Deanery Road, the ticket booths at North Street, and other drop-off points near Sabina Park.
From the happy look on their faces, West Indies and Pakistani fans did not seem to mind walking the rest of the way to Sabina Park.
“It seems so well organised and I am proud of my country,” said a woman, attired in a skimpy shorts and the colours of the West Indies team. “At least we can do something right,” she said.
The traffic also flowed smoothly in the area designated for media personnel – entrance from the Heroes Park through Allman Town into the back gate of Sabina Park.
Police on foot patrol, motorcycles and horses also maintained a strong security presence around the ground.
While hundreds headed to Sabina Park, scores of members of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses were seen handing out pamphlets and the Watch Tower publication at various points leading to the venue as well as the ticket offices located on North Street.
However, two women from the group who tried to get too close were ordered away by the police.
“You can’t stay here, I am sorry,” Senior Superintendent James Palmer told two female members of the religious organisation who were seen distributing their religion pamphlets in front of the ticket booth.
At Knutsford Boulevard in New Kingston, two volunteers who were posted to direct persons to Sabina Park seemed bored as they stood in the shade.
“We have not had to direct anybody to the ground. Everyone seems to know where they are going,” said Soyinett Whyte, one of the volunteers.