WHEN THE NEW YEAR rolls around, road users should find the going easier in and around Bridgetown.

Government, through 3S Barbados SRL, is moving ahead with its programme for synchronisation of traffic lights. Deputy Chief Technical Officer (Design Services) Cheryl Bennett-Inniss said work was "ongoing".

"There are 11 (sets of lights) in the first phase and it is hoped that all 24 will be completed by year-end," she said recently in a telephone interview.

The synchronisation programme will cost about $2.6 million. It involves cameras that will detect the volume of traffic on those roads and send signals back to a command centre which will then rephase the traffic lights and allow for a smoother flow, thereby eliminating a back-up of traffic.

Each camera is connected to a computer which has special software to analyse the traffic data collected. That data is then sent to a central control station where the best timings are selected for the changing of the traffic lights. Data will be sent continuously.

Prior to Cricket World Cup cameras were installed at the Holborn Circle intersection, Pine Road/Culloden Road junction, the intersection of Redman's Drive, Lakes Folly and Fontabelle, the corner of Baxters Road. (DS)