MOVES by Management of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation to eliminate the practice of motorists surrendering tickets purchased to transit the facility at the western end, is now slated to go into operation during the first week of next month.
This is according to Manager of DHBC, Rawlston Adams yesterday when contacted for a status update of the project.
He explained that while close circuit television (CCTV) cameras that have been installed at strategic points to aid in the better security and management of traffic traversing the structure are up and running, some adjustments are to be made to enable the software to capture and store additional information.
Also, there has been a slight delay in the arrival of critical pieces of equipment that will facilitate a crucial link-up with the police network.
Adams spoke of the new measures that are being implemented by the DHBC during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle recently, and had said that the corporation was cognizant of the need for vital agencies, like itself, to network with this country’s law enforcement agencies to aid national security.
The direct link-up of operations at the DHBC to the police network via the camera is through a VON network, Adams said.
Presently, all activities and operations at the Harbour Bridge, including the sale of tickets and vehicles as they traverse the facility, are being screened and monitored by management and security of DHBC.
“This new system allows us to view everything that goes on at the Bridge… the vehicle when a motorist approaches to purchase a ticket, the colour of the vehicle, the number plate, everything…,” said Adams.
He added that the cameras will also be outfitted with PTZ (Pan, Tilt and Zoom) to enable coverage of the entire compound.
On a daily basis, approximately 7000 vehicles commute across one side of the 6,074-foot (1,851 m) long floating facility.
Members of the public, meanwhile, are reminded that they can at any time of the day, access information on the retraction (closure) schedule of the Harbour Bridge.
This can be done by using either a land-line or cellular phone to dial 233-7008, Extension 121.
Information can be had for the same day or any other day of the week; and should there be changes to the schedule, members of the public are immediately notified via radio and television broadcast.