Wheel clamps, axle checks among new measures to improve road safety
The government has intensified its efforts to improve road safety across Guyana, with stronger enforcement measures targeting improperly parked trucks, overloaded vehicles and hazardous roadside obstructions.
Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill told the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Sunday that the next phase of enforcement will involve the use of wheel clamps on trucks.
“We have gone out to tender for the clamps,” he said. “Safety is key on our roadways, safety for pedestrians, safety for drivers, safety for everyone.”
The minister explained that while there have been delays in the arrival of the clamps, the government is prepared to increase enforcement once they are delivered.
Trucks found in violation will be immobilised and removed at the owners’ expense.
The ministry has also intensified axle load monitoring, particularly at key transport corridors, including the East Bank Demerara and the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.
However, Minister Edghill noted that challenges remain with trucks transporting heavy materials from wharves in Georgetown and Kingston without proper axle load testing.
“When people offload stone and other things at the wharf in Georgetown or at the Kingston area, and they are driving around the city without being tested for the axle load, it is causing problems in the city, breaking bridges and the rest of it,” he explained.
The minister said limited road space in the capital has complicated efforts to conduct roadside testing while maintaining the smooth flow of traffic.
Despite these difficulties, the government is developing additional strategies to address overloaded trucks operating from wharf areas.
Enforcement measures are also being expanded in Berbice and Region Three, where scales have been deployed to strengthen axle load testing.
In addition, improperly placed billboards that obstruct motorists’ visibility and interfere with traffic signals are being removed.
“While we are enforcing, we are also asking people to be compliant,” the minister stated.
In addition, the Ministry of Housing is constructing commercial parks to accommodate trucks, a move intended to provide designated parking areas for operators.
