Vehicles entering Lethem may soon have to pay a toll, which would be put towards maintenance of sections of the road.
However, Stabroek News was made to understand that while it has been circulated that a unilateral decision was made to implement a toll for vehicles entering Lethem, nothing has been decided or voted on by the councillors since it is a proposal that is still being discussed.
Mayor of Lethem Carlton Beckles explained that the plan to impose a toll was suggested as a solution to deal with the maintenance of sections of the Pirara road which leads into the municipality.
According to Beckles, this stretch of road is one of the worst sections on the Georgetown/Lethem road since it is plagued with potholes and ridges. He said the municipality proposes to use the toll money to pay a contractor for the maintenance of the said road and there would be a contractual agreement between the town and the contractor.
Beckles further stated that while bicycles, motorcycles and specially designated vehicles such as ambulances would be exempted from paying the toll, it is proposed that all other vehicles be required to pay the charge.
Asked how much the toll would be, Beckles said it would be minimal since it is not the council’s intention to impose a toll that would deter vehicle owners, but rather a small fee that would help to maintain the road.
Additionally, he said that based on the feedback he has received thus far from sections of the business community, some welcome the proposal since the rehabilitation of the road would see them saving money on having to buy vehicles parts.
However, he stressed that no decision has been made as yet regarding the proposal as it is the intention of the municipality to meet with residents at a community level for consultation purposes before the proposal is presented at the statutory meeting to be voted on.
