Police to crack down on reckless drivers during East Bank road works
President Dr. Irfaan Ali has ordered stricter enforcement along the East Bank corridor as major rehabilitation works continue, directing the Guyana Police Force to take a firm stance against reckless drivers and truck operators causing further traffic chaos.
During a high-level meeting on Sunday with the contractor, consultant, engineers, and representatives from the Police Force, Coast Guard, and Ministry of Public Works, the President instructed that immediate steps be taken to restore order and discipline on the busy thoroughfare.
Dr. Ali made it clear that truck drivers who continue to flout traffic laws by forming three and four lanes during peak hours will face penalties.
“All the trucks that are breaking the rules, all the trucks that are breaking the laws, forming three lanes and four lanes, you have to charge the drivers,” the President said. “The role of the police is to maintain discipline so we avoid the type of challenges we had over the last two days.”
To support the enforcement effort, President Ali directed the Police Commissioner to maintain a permanent posture along the entire stretch of the East Bank, using modern monitoring tools such as drones to ensure constant surveillance. He announced that drone teams will work alongside a control room to provide real-time traffic management and assist with identifying violators.
“The role of the police is to support the smooth flow, to support the safety measures, and we have to deploy our technology to help you,” he emphasized.
Dr. Ali also highlighted the need for coordination between law enforcement and other agencies, including the Coast Guard and relevant ministries, to manage emergencies and congestion during the ongoing construction.
In the event of unforeseen breakdowns, such as large sand trucks stalling on the roadway, the President said contingency measures will include using Coast Guard vessels to transport passengers, particularly those heading to the airport.
“We must develop a contingency plan to deal with those things,” he said. “That is why I have asked the Coast Guard, Colonel Howell, the Commissioner, and the Marine Section of the Police to all be involved.”
The President underscored that maintaining order and safety during the project is a shared responsibility and that coordination, teamwork, and the use of technology will be critical in minimizing disruption to commuters.
