$7500 fine for illegal siren use to be considered – Traffic Chief

– as GPF steps up enforcement against unauthorised usage

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is intensifying its efforts to stop the use of sirens on private cars, according to Deputy Police Commissioner Mahendra Singh, who again urged drivers to report cars that may be using sirens illegally.
The Traffic Chief, in an interview with the media, said that the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act allows cars of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), ambulance services, and GPF to use sirens, gongs, and bells to warn drivers of their approach.
He explained that cars owned or operated privately by emergency agencies do not automatically get permission to use these devices. According to Singh, sirens are now being sold by private companies, but steps have been taken so that the import and sale of these devices can be monitored.

“We have taken steps that show how the import should be done. It is treated as an item. The Customs Act will cover it, and from the time it is bought, brought in, stored, and who it is sold to, it can be checked. The ability to check is there. We have also discussed who is allowed to decide who will have it. That is not yet written down,” he explained.
On this note, Singh added that the traffic department has already taken action against drivers found using sirens illegally. These actions may include revoking a car’s fitness certificate, removing the device, and prosecuting for breaking the required fitness rules.
The current maximum fine stands at $7500, but according to Singh, this may have to be re-examined, as the present fine may not stop repeat offenders.
“We can see why owners may keep doing it because the fine is small,” the Traffic Chief said.

The Traffic Chief stated that several installed sirens have recently been removed from cars and that the department has made a list of cars believed to be using the devices illegally, while referencing an investigation involving a high-end vehicle which was obtained under a duty-free concession.
He said the investigation could go beyond the alleged breach to other matters related to the car.

Regional enforcement
Singh also mentioned that enforcement may not be consistent in all regions, noting that sometimes officers do not act on reports of siren use. “I will not let these things go unnoticed,” the Traffic Chief said.
While the traffic department pursues the use of sirens, he reminded drivers that they must react properly when they hear an emergency siren, urging drivers not to move to the left or side of the road but to stop and let an emergency vehicle pass.
On the other hand, the Traffic Chief warned drivers not to ignore a siren just because they think the vehicle might be using it illegally. “If you do not comply and move to the side of the road, you may be charged because the vehicle has permission to use the siren,” the Traffic Chief said.
The Traffic Chief also warned that failing to give way can lead to accidents, damage to cars, and needless costs. “Preventive measures are better than trying to confront the issue,” Singh added.
Meanwhile, he stated that authorised cars must use sirens responsibly and that having permission to have a siren does not give a driver free rein to use it in any way.
In light of this, the Traffic Chief noted that the GPF has received complaints that a car’s siren was used in traffic jams when there was no emergency. “The driver must remember that he has a role, and a siren does not give you a pass.”
Singh further warned that using sirens unnecessarily can cause confusion and lead to accidents. “That is nonsense. You will cause an accident. Your actions are dangerous even if the car has permission to have and use a siren.”
Nevertheless, the Deputy Commissioner of Police urged drivers to follow road rules, give way to emergency vehicles, and report suspected siren abuse instead of trying to confront drivers themselves.