By Delicia Janneire | November 2024
The Cabinet is actively working to address the growing concerns over speeding and overweight trucks on Guyana’s roadways, as outlined by Minister of Public Works, Hon. Juan Edghill.
The initiative, which involves collaboration between the Ministry of Public Works and other relevant stakeholders, aims to implement measures to reduce the negative impact of these issues on public safety and infrastructure.
Minister Edghill confirmed that the government is taking decisive steps, including the clamping and halting of trucks that violate weight and speed regulations.
He revealed that the Traffic Maintenance Department is in the process of procuring 200 clamps to immediately target non-compliant trucks.
In addition, the ministry is deploying 10 weight scales to measure and enforce the weight limits for vehicles on the road.
The Minister further emphasized the need to address both weight and volume concerns.
He pointed out that different materials, such as sand and stone, vary significantly in weight despite having similar volumes, requiring more nuanced enforcement of weight regulations.
In response to concerns about the capacity of the Harbour Bridge and other connector bridges, the government is encouraging companies transporting building materials from Georgetown to Region 3 to make use of the barge system.
This initiative is aimed at alleviating pressure on the bridges, many of which are beginning to show signs of wear due to the excessive load caused by heavy trucks.
The measures are expected to help improve road safety, protect vital infrastructure, and ensure that the country’s transport system remains sustainable for the future.