TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Traffic Controls/Drivers Not Stopping

It would be tough to be part of the police force that introduces this kind of control to a culture that has not seen it before. 8PM-midnight?, a good start without making traffic crazier at rush hours. Hopefully, it will be supported by all that want to save lives and reduce crime.

During a couple of trips to Happy Bay from SBR I was amazed at how many of those 2 wheelers were not registered so I did a survey of just those who passed me (and everyone else).

1st trip,,,18 bikes..4 with plates.

2nd trip..13 bikes..4 with plates (maybe the same 4 <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />)

Why would they stop for police since the plate would be the only easy way to find them?

Several years ago this was being done in the Maho area. A poster said it was also being done at other locations so it shouldn't be "new" to drivers.

I see things about traffic controls in the DH all the time. Don't think it's new at all.

FWIW, I believe that in France, mopeds less than 50CCs do not require a license. Maybe that influenced the survey results <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

also true in the states Joyfully.

last year on the high hill near Mama Pizza in Oyster pond, the Gendarmerie had a "control" and a few yards after the stopping officer was another with a shotgun, I guess to stop those who did not stop. The dutch should try that tactic.

Where else can you almost hit a cop after you ignored him and he just stands there ?!? I'm pretty sure if I did that in most places I'd have 10 police cars chasing me! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/usflag.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/usflag.gif" alt="" />

30+ years and have never seen "control stop" at Bush Road location referenced in article, before or after roundabout was built.
Still maintain (imo) that it's a good program but would not like to be standing in traffic enforcing it.

OK, well, I don't know about that PARTICULAR location, but they do them all the time in various locations all over the Dutch side, including in the middle of Simpson Bay, according to the many stories I've seen in the Daily Herald. As far as traffic, just one more traffic jam!! At least this time, it would be for a good reason..

We have experienced them on the French side after dinner a few times and considering some of the recent news I wouldn't mind the extra time in traffic IF it got some of the bad guys off the streets.

According to an article in the Daily Herald today, the controls are continuing in various places on the island.