53 traffic cases made out during ‘White Light’ operation along ECD corridor

A ‘White Light’ operation along the East Coast Demerara (ECD) corridor on Friday evening has resulted in 53 traffic cases being made out against errant drivers.
The operation was conducted at Beterverwagting, Vigilance, and Cove and John.
The traffic violations recorded included breaches such as failure to maintain vehicle fitness, unlit motor vehicles, bicycles without bells and lights, obscured identification marks, failure to produce a driver’s licence, and failure to wear a safety helmet.
The ‘White Light’ exercise underscores the Police’s ongoing efforts to enhance road safety and enforce traffic regulations.
Since 2021, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has intensified its campaign against vehicles with coloured lights nationwide, resulting in several charges against offenders.
There has been a noticeable increase in vehicles equipped with coloured lights, which pose a danger to other road users due to their blinding and distracting effects, potentially leading to major accidents.
Only recently, it was reported that the Police in Division 4C have intensified measures against rampant traffic violations and increasing reports of reckless driving and pedestrian carelessness, which have raised concerns about road safety.
Sergeant Kevin Leitch of the Beterverwagting (BV) Police Station during a televised programme had highlighted several critical issues and pointed out that minibus drivers frequently stop abruptly to pick up passengers, ignoring traffic signs and signals.
This unpredictable behaviour, he said, not only disrupts the flow of traffic, but also poses significant risks to other road users.
“I advise drivers that once you see the signs, adhere to it and encourage your passengers to adhere to it.
“Drivers, where they see passengers, they just stop anywhere on the road. I must remind you guys that not you alone using the road,” he declared.
A particularly-troubling trend identified by the policeman is the minibus drivers’ disregard for traffic lights.
Additionally, speeding has become a common occurrence along the ECD roadway, and this is compounded by instances of drivers consuming alcohol at bus parks before embarking on the journey to their destinations.
Leitch is urging passengers to report such dangerous behaviours, but has lamented that such reports are rare, as passengers often condone these actions.
“Without reports and statements from passengers, the police can’t do anything about it,” he warned.