Crackdown on drugs, unlicensed drivers at Stabroek Market bus parks underway – Benn

– cars obstructing flow in GT to be clamped, towed

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn has signalled the need for an overhaul of the public transportation system in Guyana, particularly at the Stabroek Market and surrounding bus parks.
On Monday he highlighted the challenges associated with congestion and drugs in these areas, which require urgent attention. Moreover, the issue of public drivers who transport people under the influence or while smoking has been identified as a major problem.
“We have to speak with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (GM&CC) with respect to congestion, selling liquor at these places, the issue of selling drugs. 24/7 drugs are being sold at Stabroek Market and all of these other places. We have to continue the crackdown on public transportation operators who drink or smoke and drive people in a minibus or taxi,” Minister Benn outlined.

Going forward, the Ministry will also be focusing on unlicensed taxi drivers and the issue of adequate resources to reduce waiting times for transportation during peak hours. According to the Minister, children should not be exposed to such an environment.
Currently, during the afternoon hours, persons are seen waiting for significant periods of time for their respective transportation.
“They have to be licensed properly, and show properly their reasons for being an operator of public transport. I hold the view that the public transportation sector does not have the capacity to move people quickly out of the minibus parks in the afternoon. We have to make an intervention to have large busses to move people, particularly school children, who should not be in the area of Stabroek Market and other places after school.”
This move, Benn noted, comes amid the mass development which is taking place across the country, and warrants improvement in the transportation sector. This change in culture must be accomplished soon, he said.
“Bad use of the infrastructure, blocking of the roads, just stopping and blocking the lanes, are all issues which I have to deal with,” the Minister voiced.
A request was made for 300-wheel clamps to be made available for errant drivers who restrict the free flow of traffic in Georgetown.
“We want them clamped and towed,” he said.
Another bugbear that has attracted numerous complaints from road users is the flashing lights on unauthorized vehicles – another issue that will be dealt with.
“You don’t know which direction they’re going, and you’re simply confused when you’re stuck with this truck coming with all the kinds of flashing lights, which are not allowed by the conventions. Of course, we have other lights and noises in vehicles, which have to be dealt with. All of that leads to an environment that is dysfunctional, dangerous and deadly.”
Moving forward, the subject Minister spoke on the need to strengthen the integrity of traffic officers to rise above current practices which are not in keeping with the Guyana Police Force’s rulebook. (G-12)