Dear Editor,
I write in connection with what is senselessly being perpetrated on hapless motorists on the East Bank of Demerara by policemen. It is now the norm for the police to conduct random checks on the roadway at Providence and Grove Police Stations. During the rush hour there is always a build-up of traffic in these two areas which is disgusting, frustrating and tantamount to an exercise in futility. Apart from these two points, police conduct random checks in other areas including Eccles, Diamond, Hope, Friendship, Coverden, etc.
After a hard day’s work it is an absurdity to be subjected to a traffic crawl on your way home at the whim and fancy of some uncouth policemen.
On Sunday 13th March, 2016, I was stopped for random checks at Providence, Diamond, Grove and Hope while driving to Soesdyke. No motorist would be stopped in any other part of planet earth, on four successive occasions for random checks within a distance of about ten miles.
This continuous nightmare falls under the purview of the Commander of ‘A’ Division, who incidentally lives on the East Bank Demerara and who should be aware of this detestable imposition. He turns a blind eye. The Commissioner of Police appears toothless, and sadly, the Traffic Chief is now incapacitated because of an accident. It would be interesting to identify the authority which is responsible for this unjustifiable police harassment and to which a complaint could be made.
The situation is further exacerbated by some policemen whose level of traffic control and ability to choreograph directional changes to ensure a coordinated flow of traffic leave a lot to be desired. Again, this is quite evident on the East Bank where the functions of the traffic lights at Eccles, Demerara Harbour Bridge and Diamond are often usurped by police ranks whose intervention creates confusion rather than alleviating traffic congestion. This is also manifested with regularity at Regent and King Streets much to the disgust and annoyance of motorists.
It is regrettable that letters of this nature which, should engender remedial action are generally considered inconspicuous and at best are relegated to the archives for reference.
Is it any wonder that policemen have been known to solicit help to be transferred to the traffic department? The obvious reason lies in the wallets of motorists.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
