Camp Foster military police have warned drivers not to exit from the Facilities Maintenance parking lot one-way entrance across from the Spot Gate, as that location is a three-way intersection. (Cindy Fisher/S&S)
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Increased traffic and impatient drivers have created a potentially hazardous situation during the morning commute at Camp Foster’s Spot Gate on Highway 130, military police said.
Drivers accessing the gate by turning onto 130 from Highway 58 have to immediately merge into the right-hand turn lane, but in the morning, the lane is often so backed up that drivers cannot merge, said Gunnery Sgt. Michael Moore, accident investigation section leader.
So, some drivers are entering and then illegally exiting the entrance to the Facilities Maintenance parking lot directly across from the gate, Moore said Thursday. The parking lot exit is farther east on 130.
"Drivers are going out the one-way parking lot and driving without a light," Moore said of the problem at the three-way intersection.
"It’s almost caused a few accidents."
Military police are issuing citations to drivers illegally exiting the parking lot, he added.
A citation racks up three to four points on a driver’s license, said 1st Lt. Kurt Stahl, a base spokesman.
He said a license is suspended if a driver receives six points in six months, 12 points in 12 months, or 18 points in 24 months.
The morning congestion at Spot Gate began when the Globe and Anchor Gate on 130 and the Legion Gate on Highway 330 closed for renovations, and traffic has increased at other Foster gates, Moore said. But drivers have other alternatives.
Moore suggested using the Commissary Gate on 58 or trying the PX Gate by continuing down 130 and turning right onto 330 — or leaving for work a little earlier.
