National Roads Authority (NRA) officials remind the public that it is an offence to obstruct the roadside or any road shoulder, even in front of private property.

As part of an ongoing effort to clean-up roadsides and shoulders, and in the lead-up to the holiday season, NRA crews will clear obstructions at high-traffic roads from Saturday, 29 November through Saturday, 13 December 2014.

Examples of obstructions include hedges grown over fences or planted beyond boundary lines; boulders placed roadside, garbage receptacles too close to the road, landscaping work taking place on narrow shoulders, and private signs within public rights-of-way.

“All of these pose risks to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, especially at night,” said NRA Transportation Planner Marion Pandohie. “On occasion, other hazardous obstructions are found – such as freight containers left roadside for off-loading.”

Accordingly the public is reminded that such encroachments of sidewalks and road corridors violate Section 16 of the Roads Law.

“We kindly ask property owners to ensure that all trees and landscaping pose no danger to pedestrians or drivers. For clarity, it helps to consider that the majority of the Cayman Islands’ roadways consist of a carriageway (for motor vehicles), as well as a narrow shoulder (usually three to ten feet wide) normally used by pedestrians,” added Mrs. Pandohie.

NRA Managing Director Paul Parchment echoed these concerns: “While the Authority clearly acknowledges that trees and hedges inside a person’s property are theirs to do with as they will, there are many major and minor roadways that suffer sight visibility restrictions because of badly-kept hedges and the like. Our efforts this season will be geared to beautifying our roadsides, but we will also address the other issues to help ensure a safer driving experience.”

Under the Roads Law, road encroachments carry fines of up to $5,000. After serving notice, the NRA may remove or reduce the obstruction – at the owner’s expense.

To report an encroachment or obtain more information, call the NRA on 946-7780 or visit the website: www.caymanroads.com

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