Traversing the streets of Half-Way Tree has become a horror show for many motorists and passengers in the area, since the beginning of the new academic year.

Since last week, taxi and bus operators have been complaining about the overwhelming presence of police in the area that has contributed to high levels of traffic.

According to the taxi operators, these police personnel lack the experience to manage such high levels of traffic.

More than 100 recruit graduates from the Police Academy were introduced into the force in August of this year. Since then, a number of these graduates have been stationed in Half-Way Tree to manage the traffic in the area.

Taxi operators are of the view that the fresh-faced cops lack the experience to manage such high levels of traffic and are contributing to the delay.

They are also petitioning for more senior officers to be present to assist these new graduates.

About 8:30 am today (September 12), Our Today observed heavy traffic along major thoroughfares coming into Half-Way Tree, such as Maxfield Avenue, Hagley Park Road, Molynes Road and Constant Spring Road.

The traffic on Hagley Park Road started close to Distinction College with motorists waiting in line for more than 20 minutes to get into Half-Way Tree.

Heated discussions were seen taking place among Coaster bus and taxi operators and police personnel along Constant Spring Road as these operators failed to comply with the Road Code.

This resulted in two buses being emptied and drivers ticketed by the police.

To beat the traffic, several Coaster buses coming from Spanish Town and heading into Half-Way Tree diverted from their route into communities such as Duhaney Park.

Their attempts were unsuccessful as they were met with police personnel who redirected them to the main road.

All these factors have contributed to major delays for motorists trying to get to work and school on time.