The Traffic Department of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) is expected to ramp up its campaign against errant motorists as cases of driving under the influence of alcohol have skyrocketed.
Traffic ranks checking documents of motorists in Regions 5 and 6
Statistics coming out of ancient county revealed that a total of 90 drivers were placed before the courts for driving under the influence of alcohol during the first week of November when compared to 15 for the corresponding period last year. This represents an alarming 500 per cent increase.
In light of this issue, Divisional Commander Jairam Ramlakhan reiterated that the Traffic Department has since adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards errant motorists while pointing out that there has been an increase of 117 per cent of persons being placed before the courts for various traffic offenses.
He related that for 2020, less than 5000 persons were charged for traffic offenses but for this year so far, more than 10,000 have been charged – many of whom are for dangerous driving.
Police stated that more than 1500 drivers have been charged and placed before the courts for speeding as compared with 1331 as of November last year.
Additionally, 47 persons have been charged for dangerous driving compared with 12 for the corresponding period last year. A total of 1059 persons have been prosecuted for failing to wear seat belts.
Ramlakhan further stated that 232 motorcyclists have been charged for not wearing a helmet when compared to 47 last year. To date, Region Six has recorded seven road fatalities when compared to 13 in 2020. On the other hand, a total of nine persons have lost their lives in Region Five – two less than last year. Region Five Divisional Commander, Kurleigh Simon believes that some of the road deaths could have been prevented.
“It is not that our traffic ranks are not working, but, in some instances, we had about three or four freak accidents over the past six weeks which ultimately carried up our figures,” he told reporters at a recent press engagement.
He stated that based on statistics presented in other areas, there is a reduction when compared with last year’s comparative figures.
Sharing some numbers with reporters, he related that there have been 12 serious accidents when compared to 14 for the corresponding period last year while minor accidents stand at 15.
With respect to the Region Six figures, there have been 57 serious accidents for the year thus far when compared to 24 for the same period last year.
Meanwhile, both Commanders have expressed concern over the offences of speeding, persons driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, double parking and the lack of prohibited periods for container lorries.
On this note, rigorous traffic enforcement will be conducted on a 24-hour basis during the Christmas season.
