As the National Assembly amended the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act to introduce 24-hour road surveillance cameras just two months ago, several poles have already been erected throughout various parts of Guyana to complete the installation of these cameras. This move was revealed during an interview with Guyana Times and Inspector Garvin Boyce, Officer in Charge of Traffic attached to Regional Division 4A (Georgetown). He explained to this publication that there is a process in which these cameras must be installed, one of the first steps being the setup of poles. “They are currently doing construction by digging holes and casting the foundations to put the poles up first. Once all the poles are erected, they will start installing the cameras.” Meanwhile, he shared the locations where these poles have been erected so far. “I can give you a few. At present, at Manchester Brickdam, Georgetown, there’s a pole that we’ve never seen before, which is very good for us. At Brummel and Brickdam, and as you go down Brickdam at different corners, poles are already there.” He added, “in the vicinity of the old Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), which is on Brickdam, before the Ministry of Health, there’s also a base being prepared for a pole. Poles are being placed on various streets, which will help the police in their investigations and help avoid conflicts between individuals.” He explained that this will significantly aid the police, especially in communities that have never experienced this kind of surveillance. In July, the National Assembly amended the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act to introduce 24-hour road surveillance cameras, an initiative aimed at curbing dangerous driving habits. These intelligent camera systems will be installed at traffic lights across the country and will be managed by the Guyana Police Force (GPF). The amendment came in response to the growing number of road accidents, particularly those caused by speeding and drunk driving. The cameras will be positioned along public roadways to monitor drivers’ activities, capturing photographic and video evidence of traffic violations, including speeding and failure to wear seatbelts. The footage will be stored in a dedicated database maintained by the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), with access granted to law enforcement officials and the judicial system. This database will also facilitate the payment of fines and aid in prosecutions within the magistrates’ court. Authorities believe the new surveillance system will improve road safety and help reduce the strain on police resources, as officers will be able to focus on other matters while the cameras operate continuously, regardless of weather or time of day. The amendment is expected to address key traffic offences and discourage dangerous behavior on the nation’s roads, including stunts performed by reckless drivers. The bill has garnered support from both the government and opposition members in Parliament. (G2)
He explained that this will significantly aid the police, especially in communities that have never experienced this kind of surveillance.
