Government has installed Closed Circuit TV systems at the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) and the new system which was installed two weeks ago will be linked to the police by today.
According to Rawlston Adams, DHB General Manager, the police will be able to see vehicles entering and exiting the bridge and this will be an additional tool of the police to combat crime, according to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release.
Personnel from the bridge are in discussions with police from the Brickdam Police Station.
“We have already installed the antenna; we are now installing the router so we are hoping to test the link,” Adams stated.
It was emphasised that the system has been proven effective since it has helped to reduce traffic congestion.
Adams stated that, “We have received positive responses from people. The traffic is flowing much faster off the bridge because that bottle neck that used to force people to slow down is no longer there.”
In terms of preventing corruption from occurring due to the absence of people collecting tickets, Adams noted that all vehicles using the bridge are recorded.
“There are two sets of recordings ongoing simultaneously: actual video evidence of vehicles transiting the bridge and that is coupled with ticket sales,” Adams stated.
It was noted that the system will also be closely supervised daily by auditors who are also equipped with monitors.
Government is also working to enhance the structural integrity of the bridge and Adams noted that within the past two years in excess of $2B was spent on its rehabilitation and maintenance, the release concluded.