Dear Editor,
Recently a fatal accident involving a motorcyclist occurred in Region 2 which has once again brought into focus machines including vehicles that remain idly parked alongside the main public road and in some instances permanently.
The motorcyclist collided with a plough that should not have been in the vicinity of the main public road. However this is a daily sight in several other areas along the Essequibo Coast. Many other fatal accidents of this nature have occurred in the past, yet this irresponsible act remains a recurring threat, particularly to motorists.
Indeed, it is quite evident that the main public road is very narrow amid an increasing volume of vehicles. The space that pedestrians have to manoeuvre is now challenged with the presence of stationary machines. Placing trucks, trailers, tractors and ploughs among other machinery at the side of the road has created a major traffic hazard and it is becoming even more dangerous especially in the evening.
I am aware of a number of vehicles including a plough that are currently and dangerously positioned next to the main road by a prominent business entity in Anna Regina. Additionally several other huge trucks are parked for long periods just next to the high bridge and within the township. This particular section perhaps is the busiest and becomes frightening on Fridays when the traffic is almost uncontrollable.
I was even informed that several attempts were made by the Regional Administration and the Anna Regina Town Council for this practice to cease but it appears to no avail. Is this entity above the law? This particular instance reeks of gross disrespect for the safety of residents and is an insult to the enforcing agencies including the Police force. Residents are therefore appealing for justice and for the Neighbour hood Democratic Councils (NDC) to uphold the law by removing all unnecessary machines from encumbering the roadways.
The Regional Democratic Council can also seek to address the issue as a matter of policy and send a strong signal to the defaulters. In fact, the Administration must intervene as a matter of priority. An ultimatum must be set, otherwise many more fatalities will occur due to the indiscriminate manner in which these vehicles and machines are allowed to park and for an unlimited amount of time.
Yours faithfully,
Elroy Stephney
