The unauthorised use of sirens by drivers has seen a notable decline across the nation’s roadways. A positive change that is largely credited to the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) ongoing sensitisation initiatives aimed at educating the public on the legal implications of misusing such equipment, says Traffic Chief, Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh, during a recent telephone interview with this publication.
While media reports have suggested a significant prevalence of this issue, Singh emphasised that perception often drives public concern.
“Perception usually drives conflict. As much as it was recognised – and maybe to one extent amplified when some persons were seen who were not authorised, it would have been shared widely across the media,” he noted.
Singh pointed out that the GPF’s awareness programmes, which began last year and continued into this year, have been instrumental in reducing the misuse of sirens.
These efforts included public advisories informing citizens about who is authorised to use such equipment, and the legal consequences of unauthorised use.
“The awareness programmes we have done and the subsequent advisories from last year coming all over to this year to let them know who is so authorised and what they’re doing is unlawful… That has had a deterrent effect,” he stated.
Despite these efforts, Singh acknowledged that a small number of individuals continue to use unauthorised sirens.
“Notwithstanding the fine being low or high, it has had a deterrent effect. There’s still some people out there who have it and they do use it. Once we detect it, we will ensure that the due process is followed and you’re placed before the court,” he asserted.
The GPF remains committed to enforcing traffic laws and ensuring that only authorised personnel utilise sirens and emergency lights, thereby maintaining public safety and order on the nation’s roadways.
As of July 17, 2024, Singh reported that enforcement teams had already confiscated approximately 15 sets of unauthorised sirens and lights.
In each case, the equipment was seized and presented in court as evidence, with offenders being charged for violating prescribed fitness standards for vehicles.
Singh emphasised that while initial efforts focused on public awareness and education, the scale of the issue now necessitates immediate legal action.
In an effort to strengthen road safety and reinforce adherence to traffic regulations, the GPF had intensified its crackdown on the unauthorised use of sirens and flashing “doom lights” by private vehicle owners in July of 2024.
This enforcement drive, spearheaded by Assistant Superintendent Mahendra Singh, came amid rising concerns over the misuse of emergency-style devices by civilians attempting to mimic authorised service vehicles.
Under current Guyanese law, only designated emergency services—namely the police, fire service, and ambulances—are legally permitted to operate vehicles equipped with sirens and flashing lights.
However, Superintendent Singh has flagged a disturbing trend where private individuals are outfitting their vehicles with such equipment to manoeuvre through congested traffic, especially during peak hours. These actions have raised alarm over public safety risks and the potential confusion created on roadways.
