Motorists using the East Bank Demerara (EBD) corridor and the Linden-Soesdyke Highway are being urged to exercise caution as ongoing road construction continues to create dangerous conditions along several sections of the roadway.
During the “Road Safety and You” programme on Tuesday evening, traffic ranks from Regional Division 4B raised concerns about speeding, reckless overtaking, and drivers ignoring safety instructions within active construction zones.
Inspector Mohamed, who is stationed at Regional Division 4B and in charge of traffic at the Grove Police Station, said motorists continue to place themselves and others at risk by driving carelessly through work zones.
“Well, Region 4B division presently is a construction zone where there’s a lot of construction, and infrastructures are presently ongoing in that region. We have a lot of roadworks,” another traffic rank, Inspector Mohamed, explained during the programme.
According to him, drivers traversing the East Bank corridor are encountering ongoing works in areas including Friendship, Garden of Eden, Brickery, Supply, and sections leading to the highway.
“Whenever you approach these construction zones, just slow down. Reduce your speed. Comply with the signs. Comply with the flaggers, even with the Police who may be assisting along the areas, because they are there to guide you safely through these zones,” he said.
The officer specifically called out reckless overtaking by some drivers.
“Some drivers, especially the Linden drivers, I am pleading to you drivers that this is not a rush. When you approach any construction zone, slow down. Do not overtake a line of traffic and drive recklessly, because reckless driving can lead you to a serious accident, a serious collision,” he warned.
Meanwhile, Inspector Rolick Scott, who is attached to the Highway Patrol Base and has responsibility for traffic operations from the Linden-Soesdyke Junction to Moblissa Public Road, also urged motorists to plan their travel time better instead of attempting to speed through congested areas.
“You cannot leave late or arrive early. If you need to meet on time, kindly leave early so you can meet at your destination on time,” he stated.
The officer noted that although the speed limit along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway remains at 100 kilometres per hour, motorists must reduce speed significantly when approaching construction sites.
“When approaching the said construction areas, motorists, please take your time and look out for poor road movement, who may not be looking out for themselves,” Scott said.
The issue of improperly secured loads being transported by lorries along the highway was also highlighted during the programme after complaints were raised about stones and bricks falling from trucks.
Responding to the concern, Inspector Scott disclosed that Police recently carried out enforcement exercises targeting such vehicles.
“Recently, myself and ranks conducted enforcement in relation to those said lorries that have faulty packing of loads. And some of the drivers were placed before the court in that regard,” he revealed.
He added that traffic ranks continue to conduct weekly educational exercises with drivers.
“Regularly, on a weekly basis, myself and ranks again conducting lectures to the drivers, educating drivers about the posture when propelling along the roadway in relation to those said faulty packing of loads and so forth in terms of covering of the said load in the interior of the motor vehicle,” he said.
The officer further identified areas such as Swan Public Road and Yarrowkabra as locations where motorists need to be especially cautious due to ongoing works and loose construction material on the roadway.
Traffic congestion along the East Bank corridor has intensified in recent months as several major infrastructure projects continue simultaneously. Police are urging commuters heading to the airport, work, or other appointments to leave home earlier in order to avoid rushing through hazardous construction zones.
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