the busy junction of Collectors Hill and South Road, The Royal Gazette has learned.

Deputy Police Commissioner Alex Forbes recently turned down the request of an area resident explaining that "due to cutbacks in our strength, we are unable to assign a Police officer to the foot of Collectors Hill for traffic control.'' According to Police, between November 27, 1987, and July 5, 1991, 50 accidents were reported along South Road from its junction with Cloverdale Road and Collectors Hill.

Of those accidents, 37 occurred at the Collectors Hill junction. The average annual frequency of accidents was one every 28 days in 1988 and 1989, one every 36 days in 1990 and one every 19 days in 1991.

Residents near the junction have voiced several complaints about traffic in the area and have been discussing the situation with Police from as far back as January with no resolution.

They expressed concern that cars parked in front of the A1 grocery store, Collectors Hill Apothecary and the Specialty Inn often back into the path of traffic.

And they say traffic has increased greatly as the area has become a mini shopping centre with Coral Cleaners, Tradewinds Travel Ltd., the Cottage Bakery, Needles 'N Things and Phase 1 Video in addition to the supermarket, restaurant and drugstore.

Residents have also complained that the traffic flow up and down Collectors Hill is quite heavy and there is a blind corner near the bottom with no sidewalks.

Plans have been drawn up to cure the potentially dangerous spot including building a wall and possibly sidewalks.

According to Mr. David Rowntree, chairman of the Smith's South branch of the United Bermuda Party, these are to extend from the extreme west end of the Apothecary to the far east end of the A1 supermarket, ensuring cars cannot back onto the road.

The project is expected to begin before the end of the year but for now, Deputy Commissioner Forbes has offered to consider the possibility of placing radar traps in the area.

"We appreciate your concerns and patrols will be asked to pay as much attention as possible to the area,'' he said.