The ‘third lane’ traffic system officially recommenced Thursday morning along the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara corridors, marking the return of one of the country’s most debated rush-hour traffic measures, but this time under full police and stricter controls.
Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken, Traffic Chief Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh, and other senior ranks were out early Thursday morning to observe the reimplementation, which aims to ease the congestion during peak hours.
The third lane, introduced years ago to facilitate smoother traffic flow during rush hour, was suspended last week following several fatal accidents, including the death of 15-year-old Annandale Secondary student, Navindra Mahes, who was struck on a pedestrian crossing at Success, East Coast Demerara, while the system was in effect.
Speaking to News Room during Thursday morning’s exercise, Traffic Chief Singh said the reinstatement comes after a detailed review and analysis led by the Commissioner of Police himself. He emphasised that safety considerations and the evolving road network across Demerara guided the decision.
“This initiative arose out of necessity years ago, before the Mandela Avenue to Eccles link, Heroes Highway, and other bypass roads were built,” Singh explained.
“With those new infrastructures now in place — Greenfield, Red Road, Ogle bypass, Diamond to Busby Dam — we had to re-examine how traffic flows and restore normal two-lane operations where possible.”
He said the third lane was discontinued recently due to safety concerns, but the new analysis revealed it could resume under stricter controls and enhanced police supervision.
“This doesn’t mean it would not have been recommended again — but under different circumstances,” Singh continued.
“Today’s recommencement is fully controlled by the police, with ranks stationed at every key point to ensure order and compliance with traffic laws.”
However, the Traffic Chief noted that during this morning’s exercise, some drivers — including those operating government and private vehicles — were seen overtaking recklessly while the system was in effect.
“We observed vehicles overtaking others on the third lane, and we are going to deal with that,” Singh warned. “Any driver found breaching the guidelines will face the necessary penalties.”
According to Singh, the renewed system is intended to address the heavy convergence of vehicles during morning and afternoon peaks, not to encourage indiscipline or unsafe practices.
“This is about ensuring continued progression and addressing the issue of high traffic volumes at specific times,” he said. “It’s not about personal preference or subjectivity. Every adjustment made is in the public’s interest, guided by analysis and safety.”
He further underscored that the reintroduction of the third lane demonstrates the police force’s proactive approach to managing traffic amid rapid infrastructural expansion.
“We’re witnessing the recommencement of a system that benefits the general road-using public,” Singh asserted. “It’s part of the visionary leadership we’re executing — ensuring that traffic management evolves in tandem with national development.”
Police ranks will remain deployed along both corridors to ensure smooth operations and strict compliance. The Traffic Chief reiterated that the success of the renewed system depends not only on law enforcement presence but also on the cooperation and discipline of drivers.
“There’s no bottleneck this morning,” Singh concluded. “We wanted this — and we’re ensuring it’s done procedurally, by prescribed standards, and above all, safely.”
The post Rush-hour third lane returns on East Bank and East Coast; Police to crack down on overtaking drivers appeared first on News Room Guyana.
