Intersections of Heroes Highway to be fitted with traffic lights

Motorists travelling along the Heroes Highway will soon benefit from improved traffic management with the installation of traffic lights at several major intersections, including the Mocha-Herstelling junction. The highway, which has traditionally been managed by traffic ranks during periods of heavy congestion, is being outfitted with traffic signal infrastructure as part of efforts to regulate the flow of vehicles and enhance road safety. Traffic Chief Assistant Commissioner, Mahendra Singh told the Guyana Times on Monday that the traffic lights are intended to improve traffic management along the roadway.

He explained that, like any major roadway, the highway requires traffic signals, road markings and signs to guide motorists safely through intersections. According to the Traffic Chief, the traffic light system will assign priority to road users travelling in different directions, allowing them to proceed with greater order while exercising due care and caution. He explained that the installation of the traffic signals forms part of broader infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing traffic management and the overall efficiency of the roadway. “So, the installation by at this time is in keeping with ensuring that each road space is outfitted with the appropriate signals and in this case the traffic light signal.” He also added, “In keeping with what is unique to our country maybe in that where volumes exist, we do disregard the light from time to time. What you will see happen is that where like Greenfield Road and the Heroes Highway, police will not be there anymore. The lights will assist the progress and where the burden exists or the demand for our presence, we will be there redeployment of us to assist in that area.” In November of 2025, the Government had introduced the smart traffic light system across the country with the aim of further reducing congestion on the roadways. Meanwhile, Back in May last, President Dr Irfaan Ali stated that sensor- enabled lights will be installed in the city as part of a broader intelligent traffic system being developed ahead of 2030. He told reporters that the sensors will factor in the direction of traffic flow at any given time, whether vehicles are heading into or out of the city and adjust accordingly. The sensor-enabled traffic lights form part of a wider intelligent traffic system, and the Government intends to integrate them with its existing CCTV and Safe Country camera network.

President Ali said the country has already seen results from smart traffic cameras already deployed, noting a significant reduction in speeding and accidents in areas where those cameras are active. He added that the system has advanced further, with artificial intelligence (AI) now capable of generating instant reports on repeat traffic offenders, information that can be fed directly into the judicial system for action. A mobile traffic enforcement unit has also been piloted, with the President noting that during a recent test run along the East Coast, the system identified more than 250 vehicles with outstanding traffic tickets with no room for human interference.