The traffic rules during peak traffic hours in front of Laufou Shoppng Center and CBT will continue for now.
The Governor’s Chief of Staff Tuimavave Tauapa’i Laupola, responding to KHJ News questions, said, “We are still operating out of the last policy signed by Governor Lolo for the Laufou and CBT roads.”
The policy document he refers to was dated August 17th, 2020 but apparently not released to the media or made public until the week before Christmas.
The policy outlines the purpose, policies and potential strategies for alleviating traffic in the area during peak hours.
It notes that American Samoa has one road that connects the west side of Tutuila to the central and east portions. This government road services all residences and businesses on island. As such, there are times and certain places where the one government road cannot provide the support needed for the territory.
The policy lists three options, each offering a potential solution for alleviating traffic during peak times: 7:00 am to 8:30 am and 3:30pm to 4:30 pm.
OPTION ONE: No vehicle will be allowed to turn in to any businesses nor to stop in the area right in front of the Laufou Shopping Center and CBT and Milovale’s. This option applies to the area between Aumoeualogo Te’o Fuavai’s residence and Savaliga’s residence.
OPTION TWO: There shall be NO left-hand turns whatsoever in the area starting from Paradise Inc. to Mabuhay Travel Agency or from the CBT side of the road. Only right-hand turns will be allowed during those hours. At any other times, left hand turns will be allowed. No buses will be allowed to turn right or to make any stops.
OPTION THREE: There shall be NO left hand turns whatsoever at any time or on any day in the area starting from Paradise Inc. to Mabuhay Travel Agency and the CBT side of the road. Right hand turns ONLY will be allowed. No buses or taxies will be allowed to turn right or to make any stops.
The recently released policy document also contains Governor Lolo’s order for the Dept. of Public Works to remove the bus stop in front of Laufou Shopping Center.
DPW is also to conduct a traffic study with the goal of creating intersection improvements. Possible solutions mentioned are traffic lights, roundabouts and lighted pedestrian crosswalks.
Punitive measures for those ignoring the policy are also spelled out. Violators will be issued a Uniform Traffic Ticket and Complaint-Summons for the Obstruction of Traffic. This is a Class-B misdemeanor punishable by 6 months in jail or a fine of up to $500 or both.
The traffic rules are enforced Monday to Friday but not on weekends or on holidays.
Many thought the day after the inauguration of Governor Lemanu and Lt. Governor Talauega when the orange cones were not placed on the road that the traffic rules were done away with. However, it appears they were only missing because it was a holiday.
