…as Traffic Chief complains of obstruction on Regent St
The Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is aiming to develop a policy that better regulates roadside vending. The commitment was made as Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh had complained of the obstruction to the free flow of traffic, particularly on Regent Street, Georgetown caused as a result of roadside vending.
Regent Street, a major commercial hub in the capital city, is currently plagued by severe traffic congestion, especially during the peak Christmas season. This congestion is partly caused by roadside vending, which obstructs the free flow of traffic.
Busy Regent Street, Georgetown on Monday
In a recent interview with Guyana Times, Traffic Chief Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh revealed that as the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Christmas Policing Programme continues to be implemented, several issues have been identified. He noted that individuals vending and conducting business on the roadways have contributed to the slowing down of traffic on several busy streets within the capital city.
“While we are creating space or ensuring smooth progression by way of the actions we seek, that if you travel Regent Street, you will see persons selling on the pavement. You will see persons vending on the roadside on region street itself. You will see bus stops being impeded by vendors.”
Whilst the GPF does not handle the allocation of vending spots, the traffic chief urged the M&CC to ensure that vendors are adhering to the stipulations made by the council.
“The authority to deal with that is well known. But what we want is consideration when you do so, that the spaces where you sell for vending, though your approval speaks to, it must not impede the flow of traffic. You can’t sell in spaces which is in the flow of traffic, in the line of traffic. It impedes the buses from stopping in a designated area to sit down or pick up passengers. It’s not the police alone in this equation of partnership who must ensure road safety its everyone.”
The M&CC is responsible for the allocation of vending permits. In an invited comment People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Councillor, Jai Narine Singh Jr well known as ‘Don Singh’, said City Hall is developing a policy to address the situation.
“We have been developing a vending policy because ultimately people have to have a chance to learn what we’re trying to do is do it in a controlled fashion. Obviously, with this Christmas period. Too soon we won’t be able to do that. It is, you know, a certain amount of people spaces, allocate spaces towards them and that sort of thing. But then 15 others come, don’t want to pay and it creates chaos. So, we’ll be looking at that into the new year to regulate and to get some order to the chaos.”
In recent times, the high court has issued orders for City Hall to remove roadside vendors that are obstructing the operations of businesses.
Earlier in April, the High Court granted orders to remove vendors and their structures from outside Banks DIH’s Demico House, Stabroek, Georgetown. Several similar orders were granted for several other major stores around the city.
