‘Third lane’ resumes under stricter controls, better traffic management

One week after the Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department stopped the ‘third lane’ system following a fatal accident, the practice has been reintroduced.

Traffic Chief Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh said the recommencement of this practice on the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara was done based on further analysis of the traffic situation.

The third lane system was initially introduced a few years ago to bring relief to commuters during rush hour traffic periods, and at a time where there were limited road networks.

But after the fatal accident on October 30 during the ‘third lane’ period, it was discontinued, taking into account that too many road users do not operate with road safety as a priority.

The Traffic Chief explained that now, there are more connectors to the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara, thereby giving road users more route options to get to their destinations.

But notwithstanding, there continues to be severe traffic congestion during certain hours in the mornings and afternoons. The Traffic Chief said this could be attributed not only to more vehicles on the roadways but poor practices by road users who are either breaching the rules of the road or are deliberately departing their locations ‘late’ with the hopes of getting to their destination in a ‘quick time’.

In fact, he noted that during the recommencement of the third lane this morning in the presence of the Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken, many road users were seen breaching traffic laws, including overtaking on the third lane.

Notwithstanding, with the third lane now resumed, the Traffic Chief said this time around, there will be stricter rules and better traffic management.

“The recommencement is from today, it will last for one hour from whenever it is started…the traffic officers for the regions where it is occurring, they know what they have to do, further support is given to them from Traffic Headquarters…in the form of roaming motorcycles to ensure greater compliance and more stability with which the road is used,” he said.

The Traffic Chief further emphasised that traffic ranks have been urged to ensure better enforcement of the road rules.

For now, the third lane will be active between Peters Hall and Houston on the EBD, and between LBI and UG Road on the ECD.