Traffic Chief Dion Moore says that the extension of the barriers around parliament square on Monday during the sitting of the National Assembly was as a result of the demonstrations.
He told Stabroek News yesterday that they had to secure the area and cater for protestors, and as a result the barriers were shifted further away from Parliament Buildings. There were protests against the closure of sugar estates and the ban on the importation of used tyres.
Moore dismissed reports that the new location of the barriers was because of the recent attack on the British Parliament. The barriers around parliament were shifted from the routine northern boundary on Croal Street to Regent Street, whilst the normal eastern perimeter of the Avenue of the Republic was moved to Manget Place. The western border on Water Street restricting traffic remained in place, while the southern barriers on Hadfield Street were placed one block away on Leopold Street.
The shifting of the barriers resulted in the Route 43 minibus park being moved to High and Hadfield streets, while the Route 42 minibuses were receiving passengers at Leopold and Water streets.
Many drivers were unaware of the new arrangements and vented their frustration upon the discovery. As a result of the changes, there was a tremendous backup of traffic throughout the city, which extended onto the East Bank Public Road.
Acting Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine referred this newspaper to the Traffic Chief when he was contacted for a comment.
