‘Be patient’ – Traffic Officer pleads with drivers on East Bank roadway

Traffic congestion along the East Bank Demerara corridor remains a challenge, and motorists are being urged to exercise patience as major construction continues along the roadways.

Assistant Superintendent of Police, Michael Ramdas, is the Traffic Officer of District 4B.

His area of responsibility is vast, stretching from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri to the National Stadium at Providence, and covering both the old and new Harbour Bridges. He is familiar with the massive road work ongoing.

“The length of construction is very large and at different points.

“So I am asking persons who use the East Bank public road, obey the traffic laws, obey the traffic ranks directions and you will get there on time. Do not try to overtake, undertake or form another lane and then expect the Police to hoist your vehicle back into line,” Ramdas said.

He was at the time addressing the traffic woes during a recent episode of ‘Police and You’ programme.

According to Ramdas, the Soesdyke highway is a critical but narrow roadway. He said it is the only available route for traffic coming from Linden and the interior. With no diversion roads, he said patience and discipline are key.

“Persons need to stay in line and stop overtaking unnecessarily. If you have to reach in an hour, leave an hour before. That’s all I can ask you,” Ramdas said.

He also encouraged carpooling to reduce congestion.

Adding to the challenge are heavy-duty trucks moving construction materials.

Ramdas revealed that the Police have reached out to sand pit owners to ensure drivers properly cover their trays, but not all have complied.

“Those who fail to comply, when we catch them, we charge them and place them before the court. They pay a fine, but some return and do the same thing again. The most we can do is enforce,” he explained.

Ramdas also highlighted traffic enforcement at night, targeting vehicles with improper or dangerous lighting.

“To some extent, the bright lights install are at the rear of the vehicles. It’s dangerous. My advice to truck and lorry drivers is the law is the law. The law doesn’t say anything about fog lamps. My advice to them is to develop different and better driving habits,” Ramdas stressed.

Turning his attention to motorcyclists, who continue to lead road fatalities, Ramdas strongly urged riders to wear safety helmets and avoid reckless overtaking.

“Follow the rules of the road, follow the traffic laws. Please, I am begging motorcyclists, be careful on the roadways. Do not overtake as if you don’t care about your life,” he said.

Despite the frustrations, ASP Ramdas said arrangements are being made to ease the situation on the East Bank.