Traffic lights have been commissioned and are operable at three city junctions, Vlissengen Road/Regent Street, Regent/Camp Streets and Camp/Robb Streets,
and road users are being asked to comply with the traffic signals, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported yesterday.
Installation of traffic lights at 50 critical city junctions is being done under a US$2.1 million initiative by the governments of Guyana and India to ease traffic congestion in Georgetown.
Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn, Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee and other officials of both ministries yesterday checked out the traffic lights which were in operation, GINA said.
According to Benn, the traffic lights are an overdue development and citizens should exercise discipline and understanding to familiarize themselves with the new system that will create better traffic management and road safety.
He noted that 'observations' of the lights will determine the need for adjustments to the countdown time for change of signals for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The system is adjustable, he added.
Meanwhile, routine programmes explaining the features and functions of the new lights will be conducted via television, radio and newspapers upon installation of traffic light at each junction, GINA reported. This is part of the ministry's public awareness and education campaign to familiarize road users with the new features.
According to GINA, traffic safety engineer Kadri Parris has explained that the lights have various modern features to indicate five phases of movements for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. However, it has been observed that some persons are not au fait with the system and as a result are crossing the road irresponsibly.
GINA quoted Parris as saying that "These pedestrians' pelicans are in place to ensure the safety of our pedestrians who are the most vulnerable road users in the country and to ensure that they can travel safely."
Additionally, the lights have a countdown time which would indicate to drivers when the signals are about to change. Another feature includes directional arrows instead of the normal green lights, which are more user-friendly, particularly for motorists and cyclists.
Regarding the solar panels installed at each junction, safety mechanisms are being explored to ensure their security. Meantime, persons are being urged to desist from attempting to steal or remove the panels as they will face charges for tampering with public property, GINA stated.