New measures to ease East Coast traffic congestion

– law enforcement increasingly relying on technology to manage traffic

As traffic congestion along the East Coast Demerara (ECD) continues to frustrate commuters, law enforcement officials have introduced new measures to ease the burden on road users. These include diversions, additional lanes, and alternative routes to manage the increasing volume of vehicles and ongoing road construction.

Traffic Chief, Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh, during the recent police programme ‘Traffic and You’, acknowledged that Guyana’s rapid development has led to an increase in vehicle ownership, intensifying congestion.
“Almost (in) every household, person or persons own their own motor vehicles. One would have witnessed in record time that one of the series, the recent one, I think PAG, it…was completed within six to seven months. That tells a story,” he said.
Assistant Superintendent Wendell Harry, the Traffic Officer for Regional Division 4C [ECD], said that in order to address the congestion, the objective is to clear traffic from the East Coast Highway as early as possible.
Thus, alternative routes for westbound traffic include Better Hope Mandir Street, ‘Mintie Liquor Restaurant and Bar’ Street, and Chimney Road.
“We [are] asking motorists to use all the diversion[s] that [are] available to them, like the…access road at School Street. They can use that and rejoin the embankment and go out to west, far west, out to Georgetown,” he advised.
Harry also noted that a third lane has been introduced during peak morning hours. “Our intention is to hold a third lane in the morning from seven from LBI,” he said.
However, in cautioning drivers to be careful, he said, “Whoever [decides] to use the third lane [must] be vigilant, because it’s something actually…not a regular thing on the East Coast.”
Pedestrians are also being urged to exercise caution. “I just want pedestrian[s] to be careful as they cross the road… A lot of people won’t be accustomed to it,” Harry added.
Meanwhile, the Traffic Chief further emphasized the importance of compliance with traffic regulations, stating that many drivers only follow the rules when police officers are present.
“Almost every day, only if a police rank is present at some critical point of duty, then and only then road users will comply with the rules of the road and/or drive in a manner which is careful and not dangerous to other road users,” he said.
Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh highlighted that clear road markings and signs have been installed to guide motorists.
“The diversions are there, with clear markings and signs guiding you where to go and to proceed. Flagmen are there to support the work of the contractor and/or aid police in ensuring smooth progression,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Superintendent Raun Clarke, the Traffic Officer for Regional Division 4A (Georgetown), reminded both motorists and pedestrians of their responsibilities on the road.
“Even to the pedestrians, you have a role to play. Ensure that, before you cross the road, you look right, look left, look right again, [and] ensure it is safe before you proceed,” he said.
Traffic Officer Clarke is also warning against reckless overtaking, particularly in areas where a third lane has been introduced.
“I urge drivers not to create a third lane – which persons have the tendency of overtaking on the inner lane – which is prohibited,” Clarke stated. “We will have ranks out to look for those persons who wish not to comply with the rules governing the road, and they will be prosecuted.”
As the country works to modernize its roadways, Traffic Chief Singh revealed that law enforcement is increasingly relying on technology to manage traffic.
“Going forward, you will see technology playing a critical role (in) reference (to) how we manage traffic in this country and manage traffic in the sense of enforcement and road traffic management generally for smooth progression,” he explained.
With these new measures in place, officials are calling on all road users to cooperate to ensure a safer and more efficient traffic system.
“Road safety is everyone’s business,” Clarke stressed. “We wish to advise that we are here to work and ensure that our road users use the road in a proper and safe manner.”
The emergency construction works on the Success Bridge commenced on February 27 and are expected to be completed by April 28, 2025. As such, authorities will continue monitoring traffic patterns and making adjustments where necessary to improve conditions for both motorists and pedestrians along the East Coast corridor.