Measures are being put in place to remedy traffic dangers on the recently converted East Coast Embankment Roadway.

This assurance was given on Thursday by Minister of Home Affairs, Ronald Gajraj in the presence of Police Commissioner Floyd McDonald and Traffic Chief, Fred Wilson.

Since the re-opening of two-way traffic on the road from December 1, residents have complained about dangerous hazards and there have been numerous accidents.

Gajraj, who was at the time responding to questions from reporters at a press briefing at his ministry's boardroom, confirmed that the force had identified problems on the road and would be taking steps to correct these.

Among the measures would be increased patrols to enforce existing regulations along with the installation of traffic lights at the junction of the Embankment Road and the busy Sheriff and David Streets.

Relating an incident involving a law enforcement officer who was suppose to be on duty patrolling the said roadway, the minister admitted that some have been less than professional in the performance of their duties.

According to Gajraj, he had cause to be on the particular stretch of highway on Sunday last and observed firsthand an incident where a policeman was supposed to be at a particular area but was absent.

After searching unsuccessfully for the rank that had told his superiors at headquarters via radio that he was at a particular area, Gajraj stated that he proceeded to contact headquarters and the divisional office to let them know what the exact position was. According to the minister he has recommended that disciplinary action be taken.

This, the minister stated, is a case of a rank misleading his superiors into thinking that a directive is being carried out.

Some members of the public are themselves to blame for the actions of policemen, Gajraj charged.

The minister was satisfied that the carriageway was adequate for its present use.

He noted particularly that the surface was wider than one of the busiest city streets, the Lamaha Street carriageway, and has none of the perils claimed by persons. Critics say that the Embankment Road is being treated more as a highway than as a main city road like Lamaha Street is.

Gajraj asserted that persons should give the new arrangements a chance to work since it was on the advice of some residents that the decision was taken to open the road to two-way traffic.

He further urged parents to keep their children especially the very young ones off the busy roadway adding that he and the police are examining the possibility of having parents charged for not exercising caution.

It is his opinion that users of the country's road network particularly the Embankment Road need to exercise greater care and consideration to avoid some of the mishaps that occur.

Speeding, he argued, contributed to most of the accidents on the roadway.

In yesterday's edition of Stabroek News, a letter writer, Earl B. John contended that the road - except for the section between Sheriff Street and Ogle - is under-engineered. He also said that the bend in the road in the vicinity of the Conversation Tree junction poses a great hazard. Absence of illumination on the road was among a number of other problems raised. Residents and concerned persons had raised these issues and others in a news item in the Stabroek News earlier this month.