MP York: Wrong road markings still on Cole Bay hill months after serious accident

GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Darryl York has questioned why incorrect road markings on Cole Bay Hill remain uncorrected months after a serious accident reportedly exposed deficiencies that complicated the application of traffic regulations. He also raised concerns about the continued absence of surveillance cameras at the location, warning that government is allowing known road safety problems to persist without taking corrective action.

Speaking during Parliament's 2027 national budget debate, York criticized what he described as government's reactive approach to serious incidents, where public concern generates discussions and promises but fails to produce the necessary improvements. The MP recalled an accident on Cole Bay Hill that raised questions about why certain aspects of the legal process did not proceed as expected.

According to York, two problems became publicly known following the incident: incorrect road markings that affected the application of certain traffic rules and the absence of cameras that could have provided additional evidence.

"Certain rules and regulations could not have been applied because the wrong road marking was on the road," York told Parliament.

He continued by explaining that the absence of surveillance cameras at the bend also created difficulties in applying certain measures following the accident.

For York, the greater concern is that these problems remain unresolved despite the time that has passed and the attention the accident received.

Months Later, the Same Problems Remain

York questioned why government has failed to act on deficiencies that were identified months earlier, particularly when the consequences of inadequate road markings can extend beyond road safety to traffic enforcement and legal proceedings.

"We are months further, conversations further, initiatives further, and there's still the wrong road marking on the road. There is still no camera in that corner, and nothing in the budget about it," York stated.

The MP argued that identifying problems without correcting them leaves motorists exposed to the same risks and undermines efforts to improve road safety.

His criticism also raises questions about the responsibilities of government agencies charged with maintaining road infrastructure and ensuring that traffic restrictions are properly communicated to motorists.

Road markings establish important instructions governing how motorists use public roads, including overtaking restrictions, lane separation and other traffic movements.

Where those markings are incorrect or inconsistent with applicable regulations, enforcement can become complicated, particularly when an accident occurs and authorities must determine whether a traffic violation took place.

Such circumstances can also create grounds for legal challenges, depending on the applicable legislation and the facts of a particular case.

York did not state that government had been found legally liable for the Cole Bay Hill accident. Rather, he highlighted the reported enforcement difficulties and questioned why the infrastructure deficiencies associated with those difficulties had not been corrected.

York Questions Whether Another Accident Is Needed Before Government Acts

The MP was particularly critical of the tendency to respond to serious incidents with public expressions of concern without ensuring that corrective measures follow.

"So we're going to wait until it happen again to say, 'Oh, Lord. Oh, gosh,'" York questioned.

He argued that the continued presence of incorrect markings and the lack of camera coverage demonstrate a failure to translate public concern into practical solutions.

"Being reactive and still doing nothing about it. Being talkers and not doers, because we still haven't fixed a part of the problem that caused that situation," York stated.

His comments reflected frustration that the same deficiencies remained in place even after the earlier accident brought attention to the situation.

For York, government should not have to wait for another serious incident to address problems that have already been identified.

VROMI and Justice Asked for Answers

York directed his questions to two ministries, emphasizing that correcting the situation requires attention to both road infrastructure and enforcement capabilities.

He asked the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) when the incorrect markings on Cole Bay Hill would be corrected.

He also questioned the Acting Minister of Justice about the absence of cameras at the location and when that deficiency would be addressed.

The MP specifically pointed out that he had not identified funding in the proposed 2027 budget to install the cameras he believes are needed.

His questions place responsibility on the relevant ministries to explain whether corrective measures have been planned, what resources are required and when the problems will be resolved.

The concerns come against a broader discussion about the condition of St. Maarten's road infrastructure and government's ability to enforce traffic rules effectively.

Earlier parliamentary discussions on road safety have also highlighted the importance of proper signage and markings in ensuring that traffic restrictions can be enforced.

Incorrect or missing road markings can weaken the effectiveness of enforcement measures, even where legislation establishes clear rules governing motorists' conduct.

Road Safety Requires More Than Discussions

York also used his contribution to address the wider problem of road maintenance and construction standards.

Drawing on his previous professional experience in road construction, he questioned whether the specifications government commissions are sufficient to produce durable road infrastructure.

"We get what we pay for," York said, arguing that the quality of completed roadworks must also be examined in relation to the standards and materials government has requested and financed.

He cautioned against blaming contractors for deteriorating roads without considering whether the work commissioned was adequate for the conditions involved.

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