August 22 2014

Dear Sir,

Yet again, I have just witnessed an accident right outside my gate on Collectors Hill. A bus and an enormous Mac truck tried to pass one another and couldn’t fit!

The bus driver pulled over as far as he could to avoid a collision, but in so doing, caused serious damage to my roadside wall and the bus. I hope no passengers were hurt. Apparently the Mac truck just continued on his merry way without stopping!

I have grown up on Collectors Hill and when I was a youngster, Collectors Hill was considered a “lane” and trucks and buses were not permitted to drive over the hill. The lanes were too narrow, there were no sidewalks, and it was deemed too dangerous for vehicles and pedestrians alike.

Back in the day, Sayle Road was widened and I believe it was intended that it be utilised as the main thoroughfare from South Road to Verdmont Road for trucks and buses. This never happened, apparently the result of objections of the residents on Sayle Road and political pressure brought to bear.

Also I believe that another reason is because the final bend at the top end of Sayle Road was not made wide enough to allow for a bus to turn without crossing into the oncoming lane.

The traffic problems at the foot of Collectors Hill have long been an issue; the traffic lights relieve it to some extent, but it is not enough!

No parking and vehicular access should be permitted at any of the businesses fronting South Road, it causes congestion and is dangerous; and Collectors Hill should not be a main thoroughfare for oversized vehicles such as buses and enormous trucks, only bikes, cars and small vans — it is too dangerous!

They should be forbidden to drive over the hill and made to go another route. My neighbours who include elderly people and children walk up and down Collectors Hill every day to get to the shops and bus stops — there is no sidewalk and no land to put sidewalks in. Do we have to wait until someone is killed before addressing this serious problem?

Over the years I have witnessed so many accidents and so many people have been hurt with enormous vehicles speeding up and down the hill, it is completely unacceptable that this dangerous situation be allowed to continue!

Please, ban trucks and buses from driving over collectors Hill. They can surely find another, safer route!

A CONCERNED LIFE-LONG RESIDENT OF COLLECTORS HILL