Minister of Public Works, Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill on Saturday met with truck drivers and announced a series of stringent guidelines to be put in place to ensure the safe use of the roadways. Also present at the meeting were members of the Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department along with senior managers and engineers from the Ministry. At the meeting, the Minister called for a cultural shift among drivers and underscored the importance of truck drivers having adequate rest with responsible driving hours.
“A tired driver on a dimly lit road is a danger to everyone. I’m saying this upfront, part of the rule of engagement going forward, people who are operating public transportation, buses, taxis, and trucks cannot be working around the clock. You must rest.”
Minister Edghill noted that both truck drivers and quarry owners will be held accountable for violating the weight limit for trucks put in place by his Ministry. Hence, loom and sandpit owners will be engaged through the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission to ensure that trucks leaving their mines comply with the load regulations.
“If you load the man, not only will the man with the overweight be held culpable, but the quarry that he is coming from will be held culpable.”
The Cabinet has approved the purchase of mobile scales for monitoring and enforcement purposes.
The drivers who were present at the meeting took the opportunity to address their concerns to the Minister, which included the reckless behaviour of some drivers on the roadways.