Police to step up patrols, crack down on traffic breaches at Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge

Traffic ranks will be stepping up their presence on and around the newly commissioned US$262 million Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge in order to clamp down on reckless driving, speeding, and other traffic offences.

The move comes amid rising concerns about irresponsible behaviour among commuters on and approaching the bridge within the first 24-hour of its opening.

On Sunday, President Dr. Irfaan Ali officially commissioned the state-of-the-art four-lane bridge, which is intended to provide uninterrupted travel between Regions Three and Four.

However, on Monday morning, there was severe traffic chaos in Region Three as commuters tried to access the bridge.

This, authorities have determined, is as a result of irresponsible behaviour among road users, including the incorrect usage of the roundabout.

During a press conference today, Traffic Chief, Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh, said officers will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to traffic offences on and around the bridge.

“You can and will be charged or ticketed and placed before a court of law and how we will operate going forward is that we will report every day to the minister as to offenders cases made and the follow-up when they are prosecuted,” Singh said.

Apart from enforcement, he said that police divisions will coordinate to ensure steady traffic flow, particularly at critical choke points such as roundabouts and access lanes leading onto the bridge.

He also pleaded with motorists to ensure they approach the roundabouts with caution and observe the five Cs — care, caution, consideration, courtesy, and common sense.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill has issued an appeal to persons using the new Bharat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge to exercise more caution and consideration, and not panic.

“The bridge will see a continual flow of traffic uninterrupted. There will be no stoppage of traffic in the morning or in the afternoon. We have moved from a two-lane bridge to a four-lane bridge. We used to close off the bridge for double-lane traffic to clear the volume and the congestion in the mornings and in the afternoons. There are no priority lanes…We’re asking for patience. We’re asking for consideration, and we’re asking for responsible behaviour.”

Drivers leaving central Georgetown can access the bridge via two main routes: The East Bank Public Road, turning east at Providence’s Red Road to connect with Windsor Access Road leading directly to the bridge; or The Mandela-to-Heros Highway Road link, continuing west onto the bridge’s access point.

Motorists from the East Coast can use the bypass road, while those coming from the southern direction have multiple options via Greenfield, Red Road, or directly into the main roundabout leading to the bridge.

Traffic officers will be stationed at key intersections and roundabouts to manage flow and penalise offenders who breach the rules.