Traffic authorities are raising concerns over the increasing number of heavy-duty trucks transporting materials along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, warning that unsecured loads and road debris are posing serious hazards to road users.
During the most recent episode of ‘Road Safety and You’, a programme dedicated to road safety awareness, Sergeant Ronald Payne, the Subordinate Officer in charge of the Highway Patrol Base for Regional Division 4B, East Bank Demerara (EBD) highlighted the dangers posed by large vehicles transporting sand, stone, loam, and logs on this vital roadway.
According to Sergeant Payne, the highway has become a key gateway to the interior, leading to increased traffic from lorries and logging trucks. While these vehicles play a crucial role in the country’s development, improper loading practices and failure to cover materials are creating unsafe road conditions for all users.
A heavy-duty truck driving without any covers
Police have observed several violations, including trucks failing to secure their loads properly, leading to spillage on the highway. Loose sand and stone on the roadway can cause skidding, reduced traction, and increased accident risks, particularly for motorcyclists and smaller vehicles.
“We would normally lecture to the drivers and also get down to the owner of these companies and let them know that when you’re fetching these materials in your vehicle, it must be covered,” Sergeant Payne stated, emphasising the importance of compliance with transportation laws.
Authorities have stepped up enforcement efforts, warning drivers and trucking companies that failure to secure their loads not only endangers lives but could also lead to legal penalties.
“The vehicle must be locked properly so that when you’re moving sand, loam, or any type of material, it doesn’t spill onto the road,” Sergeant Payne stressed.
To address these concerns, police have been engaging truck drivers and business owners to ensure compliance with road safety regulations. Officers have been conducting lectures on proper loading practices, vehicle maintenance, and the importance of road awareness.
Additionally, authorities are considering stricter penalties for truck operators who fail to follow the regulations.
The aim, they say, is to balance economic activities with public safety, ensuring that development and infrastructure work do not come at the cost of human lives.
Last December, the Ministry of Public Works advised all truck drivers and operators that heavy vehicles are immediately prohibited from using the Railway Embankment Carriageway.
This measure is necessary due to the rapid deterioration of the existing infrastructure caused by the high volume of truck traffic along this route. The Ministry has observed significant damage to the carriageway, which compromises road safety and usability for other commuters.
All truck operators are required to utilise the Main Road for transit.
Also, the Public Works Ministry said it was concerned about the overwhelming number of reports of trucks transporting materials along the public roadways without any covering to prevent such materials from being displaced from their trays.
When materials are displaced, it can impede visibility for other drivers/road users, in addition to changing the driving condition of the road environment, which in many instances resulted in accidents from unsuspecting drivers and riders.
As such, truck operators/drivers were advised to have their trays covered when transporting materials such as sand, loam, stones, dirt, garbage, and other loose materials.
This practice is an offence in accordance with Regulation No. 99 of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Regulations, Cap. 51:02, which is enforced by the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
