GPF reintroduces 3rd lane to ease traffic on East Bank corridor

– urges caution, responsibility

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has officially reintroduced the third-lane traffic system along the East Bank corridor, launching the initiative early Saturday morning under strict supervision in Regional Division Four B (East Bank Demerara). The renewed traffic flow measure, which operates between 07:00h and 08:10h on weekdays, is designed to reduce congestion during peak hours and improve overall traffic management.
Assistant Superintendent of Police, Dennis Stevens, who is the Commander for Regional Four B, and Traffic Chief, Mahendra Singh, oversaw Saturday morning’s operations at the Eccles Arch and Moblissa area on the Linden–Soesdyke Highway. According to Steven, the move was a direct instruction from the Commissioner of Police.
“What you are observing this morning… stemmed from the Commissioner’s instructions as it relates to resuscitating the third lane,” Stevens explained. He noted that operations began smoothly, adding, “We are here to ensure the smooth flow as it relates to traffic management and will continue until otherwise.”
Traffic Officer Mahendra Singh provided a detailed background on the decision, noting that the third lane had existed “many years ago on the East Bank corridor, either heading north in the morning peak hours or south during the afternoon peak hours,” long before the construction of the Mandela–Eccles Highway, the Heroes Highway, and other major road upgrades.
Singh said the earlier discontinuation of the third lane allowed the Force to analyse how it had operated and what improvements were necessary.
“Safety was at the core of the analysis,” he emphasised. “A team led by no other than the Commissioner of Police would have sat, analysed what was taking place, and now with the reintroduction… it is intended to better serve the public.”
He reminded commuters that the Force continually reviews its service delivery. “We re-look at each space of time to improve it, to enhance it, to ensure that each course is served with improved quality at its core,” Singh said. “What we did this morning to restart the third lane was to ensure that the public is served at its best.”
Singh also urged drivers to adjust their travel habits to the changing roadway network. “With all the new road works, it demanded that they also adjust their timelines… not leave late and arrive early each time,” he said.
He warned motorists against abusing the system. “When you use this third lane, you’re not to overtake on the third lane, as oncoming traffic is in the immediate next lane, which is to your right,” he cautioned, adding that today’s operation demonstrated “an improved service being delivered by the Guyana Police Force with the public’s interest at the core of it.”
Highlighting the leadership behind the initiative, Singh noted, “In every organisation, there are leaders who have an improved and a greater vision with the people’s interest at heart, and this is precisely what we are doing here today.”
He added that the third lane now begins at Peter’s Hall and will continue along the eastern carriageway.
Both officers called on road users to act responsibly, especially around vulnerable groups. “I’m appealing to all road users to drive safely, observe the five Cs in defensive driving, and also be on the lookout for pedestrians, especially children and elderly persons,” Singh urged. He also appealed to motorcyclists to wear helmets “to protect them in case of any accident or injuries.”
Reinforcing the message, Singh added, “Road safety is everybody’s business.” He reminded drivers that careful choices can save lives: “Careful driving saves lives. It demands that your personal responsibility is discharged as a motorist, a pedestrian, or any form of road user while you’re on the space of road in Guyana.”