…as PSC demands enforcement of minimum age for commercial driver’s licences
As the Guyana Government moves to safeguard the country’s roadways by clamping down on reckless road users, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) has called for a number of interventions including the revision and enforcement of the minimum age for commercial vehicle driver’s licenses especially trucks, mini buses and taxis. 
In a statement over the weekend, the PSC expressed its full support of President Dr Irfaan Ali’s recent push for greater discipline, particularly among truck drivers, to address the ongoing carnage on the nation’s roads and the resultant, senseless loss of lives occurring almost daily.
Last week, the Head of State announced a series of sweeping measures for errant road users including the suspension of drivers’ licenses after three speeding tickets especially for truck drivers and additional body cameras for traffic ranks, among others.
In its missive, the private sector body said it recognises that the recklessness and dangerous driving are caused by individually licensed drivers, combined with a lack of adequate enforcement and accountability. On this note, the Commission urged all stakeholders to take immediate action to address this dire situation and proposes a number of recommendations for urgent implementation.
Review
Among the PSC’s proposal is a review the issuance of driver’s licenses, particularly for heavy-duty truck drivers as well as an amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act to increase the minimum age to 21 years for commercial vehicle driver’s licenses (trucks, buses, and taxis).
The Commission also suggested that a specially trained undercover police mobile traffic enforcement team be assigned to detect and enforce traffic law violations such as: parking on blind corners, within regulated distances from corners, or in prohibited zones; parking obstructing the free traffic flow or opposite another vehicle, causing congestion; exceeding speed limits, failing to dim headlights in built-up zones, and failing to yield at pedestrian crossings; ignoring traffic indicators when changing direction or turning; and operating trucks with trade plates, uncovered sand trucks, or allowing truck drivers to stop and drink at bars.
In addition to supporting President Ali’s one-year suspension of driving licenses for third-time repeat offenders within a calendar year and the bused of body cameras by traffic ranks, the private sector body further calls for the introduction of shame-and-blame penalties such as mandatory community service or city-cleaning duties for traffic law violators.
Insurance premiums
The PSC also proposed that insurance premiums be aligned with international best practices and increasing rates for high-risk drivers as well as offering credits and reduced premiums for drivers with clean records. It wants too for the state to mandate the installation of tracking devices on commercial vehicles to monitor speed and driving behaviour, and the implementation of systems that analyze driving metrics such as acceleration, braking, and turning to improve compliance and enhance driver training.
When it comes to addressing systemic causes of accidents and dangerous driving on the roads, the PSC wants the Ministry of Labour to regulate working hours and pay structures for drivers to reduce fatigue and eliminate incentives for speeding and to also ensure better management and equipment at sandpits to prevent delays, which often result in speeding to make up lost time.
Another suggestion by the Commission is to prosecute owners and drivers of vehicles illegally using emergency lights and sirens. It was further recommended that a requirement be imposed for commercial vehicle owners (trucks, minibuses, taxis) to employ licensed and trained drivers and install speed-tracking systems on their vehicles as well as to hold owners accountable for their fleet’s safety records.
In fact, the private sector body implored businesses to demonstrate leadership by implementing robust systems to monitor and manage the activities of their vehicle fleets.
“Companies must prioritize compliance with the laws of Guyana, enforce strict adherence to traffic regulations, and promote safe driving practices. By doing so, businesses can actively contribute to reducing accidents and fatalities on our roadways. Vigilance and accountability at all levels are essential to creating safer roads for all Guyanese,” the PSC stated.
According to the Commission, it is imperative that for all stakeholders, as a collective society, act decisively and responsibly to address this national crisis.
Traffic violations
Following President’s stern warnings last week, the Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department has embarked on an aggressive Enforcement Exercise and with-in a two-day period alone, some 1,353 cases were made out for various traffic violations.
Led by Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh, the GPF said the exercise was executed “without bias across the country, and this has yielded some positive results.”
“As cases are made, drivers are made aware of the do’s and don’ts, all in an effort to curb lawless/errant use of the road,” the Force added.
During a two-day period (November 21 and 22), traffic ranks made out cases in various locations across the country including: 73 cases in the Traffic Headquarters district (Georgetown); one case in Region One; 58 cases in Region Two; 204 cases in Region Three; 385 cases in Regional Division 4B (East Bank Demerara and another 395 in Division 4C (East Coast Demerara); 114 cases in Region Five; 56 in Region Six; 49 case in Region Seven; seven cases in Region Eight; and 11 cases in Region Nine.
Among the 1,353 traffic cases recorded, only three were for Driving Under the Influence (DUI). A breakdown of some of the other prevalent traffic violates recorded includes: 121 cases for Exceeding the Speed limit; 65 cases for Failure to wear a Seatbelt; 25 cases for Unlighted motor vehicle (front); another seven cases for Unlighted motor vehicle (rear); 248 cases for Prohibition of tinted glass; 47 cases for Faulty packing of load; 32 cases for Unlicensed driver; 44 cases for Breach of conditions of prescribed fitness; 11 cases for Driver carrying Pillion rider without safety helmet; and 24 cases for Driver failing to wear a safety helmet. (G8)
