After reports of falling stones, Police cracking down on trucks carrying poorly-secured cargo

Officials have stepped up enforcement actions against drivers transporting improperly secured cargo along key roadways, following reports of materials, particularly bricks, falling from moving vehicles in construction-heavy areas of the East Bank and Linden Highway corridors. Traffic ranks from Regional Division 4B (East Bank Demerara) have said that several drivers have already been taken to court as part of ongoing operations targeting unsafe loading practices, which officials warn pose serious risks to other road users. Inspector Rolex Scott of the Highway Patrol Base confirmed that enforcement has intensified, with both prosecution and continuous education forming part of the Police response.
“Recently, myself and ranks conducted enforcement in relation to those said lorries that have faulty packing of loads. And some of the drivers were placed before the court in that regard,” Inspector Scott said. He explained that in addition to court action, officers are actively engaging drivers through regular sensitisation exercises aimed at reducing unsafe transportation practices. “But regularly, on a weekly basis, myself and ranks again conduct lectures to the drivers, educating drivers about the posture when propelling along the roadway in relation to the said faulty packing of loads and so forth in terms of covering the said load in the interior of the motor vehicle, etc.,” he added. The issue has been most evident in areas where major road works are ongoing, including sections such as Swan Public Road, Yarrowkabra and other points along the highway, where loose construction material and heavy-duty transport intersect with active construction zones.
Inspector Scott noted that motorists operating in these areas are required to reduce speed and exercise heightened caution due to the nature of the works being undertaken. “Those areas, as I said, are where the construction site is normally ongoing. Like, for example, Swan Public Road, Yarrowkabra Public Road, and some other areas along the highway. So, they have to reduce their speed in those areas,” he stated in response to a question, confirming that drivers must adjust their behaviour in such zones. He further reminded motorists that although the official speed limit on the Linden–Soesdyke Highway remains 100 kilometres per hour (km/h), conditions along construction stretches demand more careful driving.
“The speed limit for the said highway is 100 kilometres. Based on the construction work which is currently ongoing, I advise motorists to leave early so you can arrive at your destination early,” he said, stressing that speeding through affected areas increases the risk of accidents involving falling or displaced cargo. Enforcement, he said, will continue alongside driver education campaigns as part of efforts to reduce hazards caused by unsafe cargo loading and improve overall road safety across the highway network. Officials are urging transport operators to ensure all materials are properly secured before setting out, particularly as infrastructure works continue to expand along major travel routes.