CONSIDERING the massive infrastructural works that are currently ongoing on the East Coast of Demerara, Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh, related that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has already put initiatives in place to enhance the movement of traffic, especially during the upcoming Christmas season.

Speaking exclusively with the Guyana Chronicle, he explained that along the East Coast of Demerara, there would be an implication based on road development at Ogle specifically.

According to him, with Ogle being developed into a four-lane highway and leading beyond the East Coast into the East Bank, the GPF would have to improvise to allow traffic to flow continuously along the Rupert Craig Highway going into the capital city as the holiday season approaches.

Traffic Chief Singh explained, “The two lanes of traffic on the Rupert Craig Highway on the southern carriageway cannot take off the volume of traffic during the peak hours between 07:00 hrs and 09:00 hours and in the afternoons between 16:00 and 18:00 hours. So, the improvision would be to facilitate a third lane of traffic on the northern carriageway of the Rupert Craig Highway, as far as Ogle to Conversation Tree, and maybe as well as from UG Road coming to Conversation Tree, but not beyond.”

He further acknowledged that while the proposed modifications would have implications, the safety of all users of the road—that is, every class and category of users—must be ensured. The changes, according to the traffic chief, are not being made merely because they want to, but certain actions that are backed by both the people and the infrastructure are necessary for them to occur.

The traffic chief also told this publication that pedestrians, the elderly, and motorcyclists are the most vulnerable group of road-users; hence, it is imperative that there be signs, cones, and a clear demarcation of the third lane, along with information on its flow direction and timings.
Noting that the usage of cones, signage, more foot patrols by police, and roving patrols are all necessary since there is just one road with two carriageways, he also shared that the usage of motorcycle patrols will improve the situation.

“Ranks on duty, along with members of the road safety council, private sector commission, and everyone who is road-safety conscious would want to play a role in the improvement of movement along the road, of people, services, goods, and whatever it is that is important to national development. Without these implementations, any initiative would just be an initiative that is aimed to alleviate a burden without any safety at the forefront. At present, you can see accidents that are occurring with a high level of frequency, even though traffic education is intensifying to sensitise the public to realise a positive or desired change,” the traffic chief explained.

COMMUNITY SENSITISATION

As it relates to the community sensitisation process and building a stronger relationship with everyone at a community level, law enforcement officers are specifically tasked with supervising the community, that is, to ensure that law and order are maintained.

The traffic chief underscored that the GPF officers are returning to the ‘grass root’ level in the community with the aim of serving, strengthening the bonds between police and the people in the community, as well as broadening their knowledge of what ought not to be, and what is unlawful. He also added that these interactions take place both in-person and through various media outlets.

Recognising that members of the GPF as well as members of the public are not always perfect in their actions, the traffic chief pleaded with all to work together to ensure that everyone lives in a safe, peaceful, and secure environment.

“The fact is our country is developing at a rapid pace, and we the people, including our law enforcement officers, are expected to develop and have a better mindset as regards the usage of our roadways and the overall manner in which we look out for each other. As Guyanese, we are known to be hospitable people, and we must continue to practise this, starting with our own in our respective communities,” the traffic chief concluded.