Dear SSP Allen,

Thank you for the opportunity to communicate with you and to the Jamaica Observer’s Auto for making it possible.

On Saturday April 25, about midday, I used the left lane at the clock at Half-Way-Tree by Tastee, to turn right on Hagley Park Road to enter the middle lane to continue down Hagley Park, as I have done for years.

I was stopped and ticketed by a policeman who was conducting traffic stops at the intersection. He said that I should not have used the left lane but should have used the right lane turning at Tastee and then come over into the middle lane to proceed down. I have always only used the right lane if I am continuing around to Eastwood Park Road.

Have I been doing it wrong all these years?

If so, then who is the left lane at the clock intended for?

Thank you for your response.

V. Nam

Good day Ms Nam,

I am only too happy to address this and any other issue on behalf of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

Kindly note that the only legitimate lane to turn right from the vicinity of the clock on to Hagley Park Road is the right lane.

The middle and extreme left lane are for traffic proceeding straight ahead. Therefore, the next time you intend to turn right, kindly position yourself from early in that designated lane that has been identified.

NB: Just imagine traffic in the left lane attempting to turning right whilst traffic in the middle lane is going straight ahead.

Permit me to provide a few life-saving reminders:

(1) Remain alert whilst operating a vehicle;

(2) Stay within the prescribed speed limit — driving at excessive speed significantly reduces your chances to react to any eventualities;

(3) The horn is a very important part of the vehicle. Its correct usage has saved many lives and avoided many accidents, so, use it!

The elderly and children in attempting to cross the street sometimes misjudge the speed of an oncoming vehicle, therefore please look out for them. Save a life, save yourself and avoid trouble.

Until next time, slow down for your life, the lives of your passengers and the lives of the other road users — just slow down!

Let your driving behaviour be modified and mature at all times and not just when a traffic check is in progress.

Once again Miss Nam, it was a pleasure interacting with you through this medium and I hope I was of some help.

SSP Calvin Allen

Do you have a question, comment or query for Senior Superintendent of Police Calvin Allen, head of traffic division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force? Send your email to bonittob@jamaicaobserver.com. In the subject line, please write Attn. SSP Allen.