Strand Street in Frederiksted is now one-way heading north and cars may park on the entire seaward side, thanks to legislation that took effect April 1.
The legislation sponsored by Sen. Kenneth Gittens was signed into law Dec. 31, 2014, and took effect 90 days later. A lack of parking for seaside businesses has led large numbers of drivers to park illegally, risking parking tickets in order to spend money in Frederiksted businesses. Some businesses and residents have advocated for making the road one-way, to increase parking and promote economic activity, for a number of years. Other residents opposed, arguing that it had traditionally been a two-way street and therefore should remain so.
“Driving through that affected area of Frederiksted today, I saw that the signs had already been placed, and road crews from the Department of Public Works were out striping and marking the roadway to show the directional flow and restricted areas of traffic in that one-block area," Gittens said in a statement.
"I noticed that most of the motorists were unaware that the change was in effect; therefore, the police chief was immediately contacted so that an officer could be stationed in the area to instruct and direct motorists,” he said.
Gittens asked drivers to keep safe and pay attention to the markings on the road and the signs.
“Many motorists had been driving this same route as a two-way street for decades, but the law has changed and the only option now is to adhere to the law by obeying the posted street signs," he said.
