No pavement parking – City Hall issues warning

The Mayor and City Council (M&CC) have issued a public notice prohibiting parking on pavements across Georgetown, citing safety concerns and ongoing damage to public infrastructure.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the council reminded citizens that pavements are reserved for pedestrian use, including children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. It said parking in these spaces creates obstructions and forces pedestrians onto roadways, increasing the risk of accidents.
The council also referenced the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01, Sections 9 and 10, which make it unlawful to drive, wheel or place vehicles and other objects on pavements and footpaths. The law prohibits leaving any vehicle, cart or similar item on streets, parapets or pavements.
The notice comes amid concerns about damage to recently constructed sidewalks and drainage covers.
On May 5, the Public Works Ministry stated that investigations found that sections of infrastructure along Aubrey Barker Road in Georgetown and Diamond Back Road, East Bank Demerara, were damaged due to improper use rather than construction defects.
According to the Ministry, the walkways are designed to support pedestrian traffic and light residential use, including cars and SUVs accessing properties. While they can accommodate short-term parking for light vehicles, the Ministry said heavy-duty trucks and industrial machinery have been using the structures for extended periods.
It warned that excessive weight can cause cracking and collapse of drainage covers, creating safety risks and leading to repair costs and traffic disruptions. Operators of heavy-duty vehicles have been urged to use alternative parking locations and avoid mounting sidewalks when delivering materials. In cases where access is unavoidable, temporary protective measures such as steel plating were recommended.
The Ministry also indicated that persons responsible for damaging public infrastructure could be required to cover repair costs, adding that sustained upgrades depend on proper public use.
In April 2025, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo said expanding parking facilities is necessary as economic activity increases. He noted that Government is developing designated areas for heavy-duty vehicles and exploring solutions to increase parking capacity in Georgetown.
Plans include upgrading roadside parapets with concrete pavers to create additional parking space, with a target of about 10,000 spaces in the capital.
The M&CC is urging residents and motorists to comply with the law and adopt safer parking practices to protect pedestrians and preserve infrastructure.