Georgetown : Better traffic management by ranks of the Guyana Police Force’s traffic department at the Demerara Harbour Bridge is resulting in easier commuting to and from Georgetown to the West Bank of Demerara.
Commuters do not worry of being ‘cut in front of’ by other vehicles after a long wait in the line to cross the bridge.
In the early morning hours, primarily between 6:30 hrs to approximately 8:30 hrs, the lines at the Bridge’s approach have been extremely long; because while some drivers wait in the traffic for almost an hour if not more, others disregard the traffic regulations and laws and bully their way to the front. This created an even larger buildup of traffic during peak hours at the bridge.
Commuters are now experiencing some measure of relief as this situation has been addressed by traffic ranks, who work within the catchment area. Using new strategies to better manage the traffic flow, the ranks are now implementing road blocks to close off the entrance to the bridge leaving only one lane open to the flow of traffic for vehicles approaching the intersection from the Versailles end.
Traffic is also diverted through the ‘Old road’ at La Grange that leads to the bridge. This has contributed significantly to the reduction in the level of confusion and frustration for commuters.
Due to the increasing number of vehicles on roads, the lines are still long; but the waiting time has been reduced and commuters are crossing to and from the Bridge in a more orderly and hassle -free manner.
Earlier in the month, during the launch of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Company’s wireless link with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Guyana Police Force, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson related to Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud the complaints of the commuters.
In less than two weeks after this issue was brought to the Commissioner’s attention, the situation has been addressed.
