Everything would be back to the original traffic arrangement for the start of the new school term on September 3.
The Works Ministry, which implemented the plan, issued a statement Saturday noting that while there were some good coming out of the temporary traffic changes it felt it was better to end it.
"The negative side effects outweigh the benefits that were gained” the ministry said on its website.
The ministry stated: "Although the West Port of Spain Experimental Traffic Scheme was, undoubtedly, very successful in reducing traffic congestion and travel times along the main routes leading to and from the Port-of-Spain central business district, as was its primary objective, it appears to the Ministry that some of the resulting negative side effects outweigh the benefits that were gained.
The ministry stated: "Although the West Port of Spain Experimental Traffic Scheme was, undoubtedly, very successful in reducing traffic congestion and travel times along the main routes leading to and from the Port-of-Spain central business district, as was its primary objective, it appears to the Ministry that some of the resulting negative side effects outweigh the benefits that were gained.
"In that regard, the Ministry wishes to thank all stakeholders who facilitated the testing of the experiment and, moreso, by their constructive and frank feedback, both remotely and via consultations, assisted in the consistent and faithful monitoring and assessment of it."
The ministry said it would continue to review the traffic arrangements in the area to determine what future action needs to be taken to relieve congestion and enhance travel times.
The ministry said it would continue to review the traffic arrangements in the area to determine what future action needs to be taken to relieve congestion and enhance travel times.
The plan was unpopular from the time it went into effect, especially with businesses that claimed that they were losing money because of the change. On the other hand residents, commuters and pedestrians protested and signed petitions.
The plan was devised and implemented when Jack Warner was the Minister oif Works. Port-of-Spain Mayor Louis Lee Sing supported the plan to ease traffic congestion and of parking problems in Woodbrook and St James.
Lee Sing complained to the media that the government did not consult with him before making the change. He felt that the arrangement was working.
“I thought we made a quantum leap from congestion and gridlock which allowed for the smooth entry to and from Port-of-Spain but it is unfortunate that those who thought the plan was successful remained silent. I am not surprised at this move," he told the Guardian newspaper.
Lee Sing complained to the media that the government did not consult with him before making the change. He felt that the arrangement was working.
“I thought we made a quantum leap from congestion and gridlock which allowed for the smooth entry to and from Port-of-Spain but it is unfortunate that those who thought the plan was successful remained silent. I am not surprised at this move," he told the Guardian newspaper.
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