Traffic situation at DHB a major challenge – Police

Police in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) in a statement on Thursday said the traffic situation around the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) is one of the sore issues that have been plaguing the region.
The release stated that some 11,000 vehicles traverse between Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica), and despite the challenges, measures are in place to maintain order and a free flow of traffic between 06:30h to 08:30h.

Barriers and traffic ranks are placed along the route of Schoonord to the West Bank corridor, to ensure that motorists reduce their speed limit especially since these areas are prone to accidents mostly resulting in fatalities.
For the period of January to April 2020 compared to the same period in 2021, the report stated that fatal accidents currently stand at -100 per cent.
“This success is due to traffic booths being placed in strategic locations along Schoonord, New Road, Wallers Delight, Zeelugt Public Road, Tuschen and Orenstein areas,” the Police related in a statement.
Recommendations have also been made to erect medians instead of barriers so that motorists can maintain order when crossing the bridge.
In addition, the Police stated that sensitisation on COVID-19 is also ongoing in the area while enforcements are routinely carried out for the wearing of face masks in public transportation.
Thus far, twenty drivers, conductors and passengers have been arrested and charged for not wearing masks in public transportation.
Enforcement also focused on persons who are working private/hire cars while flouting the COVID guidelines and the use of handheld devices when driving.
Earlier this year authorities announced that a four-lane road linking Eccles on the East Bank of Demerara to Mandela Avenue in Georgetown will be built with the aim of easing traffic congestion on the East Bank of Demerara, that is as a result of the Harbour Bridge.
President Dr Irfaan Ali had said the new road link connecting communities on the East Bank of Demerara is expected to significantly cut commute time for residents and modernise the surrounding areas.
The Government will also be upgrading a number of roadways in Diamond, which should further enhance travel time within that community and on the East Bank of Demerara.