Traffic Chief discontinues ‘third lane’ system following death of schoolboy 

Traffic Chief Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh has announced the immediate suspension of the “third lane” traffic system along the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara, following the tragic death of 15-year-old Annandale Secondary School student, Navindra Mahes, on Thursday morning.

The teenager was struck down on a pedestrian crossing at Success, East Coast Demerara, during the morning rush hour—at a time when the improvised third lane was operational.

In a statement, Assistant Commissioner Singh said the decision to discontinue the third lane system takes immediate effect. He explained that, according to road traffic engineering principles, the existing roadways are designed to accommodate only two lanes in each direction. Reverting to this original design, he noted, is expected to improve stability in the traffic flow and reduce the likelihood of future accidents.

“The third lane was introduced to ease congestion during peak hours, but it was never meant to compromise safety,” Singh stressed. “Unfortunately, too many road users continue to disregard basic safety measures. Road safety must be everyone’s priority.”

Just a week ago, another road user lost his life while the third lane was in effect, prompting renewed scrutiny of the initiative. Singh lamented that drivers often fail to exercise due care, especially when approaching pedestrian crossings, and reminded motorists to slow down and give way to pedestrians — particularly children and the elderly.

The third lane initiative was originally introduced to ease heavy traffic flow on the East Coast Demerara roadway and later extended to the East Bank when the old Demerara Harbour Bridge was in use.

With the system now discontinued, the Traffic Chief said police ranks will be strategically deployed along major roadways to assist with maintaining the smooth flow of traffic during peak hours.