Dangerous lighting, sand on roads, and bus stop abuse, time to enforce the law

Dear Editor,
I write to highlight three growing threats to road safety and public order on the East Bank, particularly around Great Diamond.
First, too many drivers are using extra-bright “fog lamps” or coloured front lights at night instead of proper headlamps, often blinding oncoming drivers. Guyana’s Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Regulations require that every vehicle during the hours of darkness must show two white front lamps visible from a reasonable distance – not blue, green, or other colours, and not fog lamps substituting for headlamps. Police have repeatedly charged drivers for illegal lights and unlighted vehicles, yet the problem persists and endangers lives.
Second, construction materials – sand, stone, blocks – are routinely dumped on the roadway and road reserves, sometimes blocking entire lanes. Under the Roads Act, road obstructions are unlawful and may be removed. The Ministry has previously run national campaigns to clear encumbrances; it is time to reinforce and sustain enforcement so that pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists are not forced into dangerous manoeuvres.
Third, taxis and private cars are stopping and parking in the recessed bus stop bay at Great Diamond, preventing buses from safely pulling in and forcing passengers to board and disembark in live traffic. Bus stop bays are no-parking zones under the traffic rules; ticketing and consistent enforcement here will save time, reduce chaos, and prevent injury.
These are not cosmetic issues. Dazzling lights can be the difference between life and death at closing speed. Obstructions on the carriageway create blind spots and collisions. Bus-bay blockage throws passengers into harm’s way and snarls traffic.
I respectfully call on the Guyana Police Force, the Ministry of Public Works, and local authorities to:
1. Step up the “white-light” enforcement – ticket illegal coloured/over-bright lamps and vehicles running fog lights in place of headlamps;
2. Remove and penalise roadway obstructions (sand, stone, equipment) and keep road reserves clear;
3. Enforce no-parking at bus stop bays on the East Bank, especially Great Diamond, with visible signage and regular patrols.
Road safety is everyone’s business, but it begins with clear rules and consistent enforcement.

Yours sincerely,
Suraj Nazir
Manager/Concerned
citizen