261 traffic violations registered nationwide in single day

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Wednesday said it has recorded a total of 261 traffic cases in one day. This figure comprises 88 cases related to speeding and an additional six cases for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI).
Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh, the Traffic Chief, emphasizes that the ongoing nationwide traffic enforcement initiatives represent a collaborative and impartial effort involving Traffic personnel and various stakeholders. Their shared goal is to combat reckless behaviour on the roads, and enhance overall road safety.
Singh has acknowledged that daily fluctuations in traffic cases suggest these efforts are making a difference. Nevertheless, he said the ultimate goal of achieving an ideal ‘zero accident report’ remains a work in progress.

Motorists are strongly encouraged to exercise caution by reducing their speed, refraining from driving under the influence, utilising designated drivers who are sober and capable, fastening their seatbelts, and ensuring they arrive at their destinations safely.
“Public awareness initiatives extend beyond daylight hours and encompass establishments like bars and restaurants, where traffic officers conduct informative sessions and provide bar owners with contact numbers for immediate communication regarding motorist behaviour,” the Traffic Chief has said.
Moreover, the Police Force has implemented suggestion boxes, and collaboration with members of the Regional Road Safety Councils and other partners is ongoing. These initiatives are all aimed at fostering a positive shift in the mindset of motorists, and enhancing public safety on the roadways.
Around the same time last month, 90 traffic cases were recorded during an enforcement exercise on the East Coast Demerara corridor. These exercises were conducted in Regional Division 4C, in the station districts of Sparendaam, Beterverwagting, Vigilance, Cove and John, and Mahaica by traffic ranks in collaboration with members of the Road Safety Council in Regional Division 4C.
The cases included 50 for speeding, nine for the prohibition of tinted glass, three for the breach of prescribed fitness, three for operating a motorcycle without a helmet, three for breaching a provisional licence, three for failure to wear a seatbelt, three for an unverified vehicle, two for failure to produce a driver’s licence, and one for failure to conform to a sign, among others.

There was one case each for the following offences: breach of insurance, breach of a condition of a road service licence, driving without a driver’s licence, carrying a pillion rider without a safety helmet, dangerous driving, no reflective mirror, no silencer, carrying more persons than the permitted number, an unlicensed motor vehicle, and an uninsured motor vehicle.
The “Respect the Road” initiative was launched in July of this year in a desperate move to reduce accidents following a rise in fatalities and reckless use of the roadways.
In the first half of 2023, over 2000 persons were charged with ticketing offences.
Acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken has noted that despite harsher penalties being imposed on defaulters, violation of traffic laws remains high. According to him, factors contributing to the alarming statistics include speeding, driving under the influence, poor driver behaviour, distracted driving, and inadequate infrastructure.