Drivers obey rules abroad, break rules at home – Police

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) are raising concerns about what they describe as a troubling double standard among Guyanese drivers: strict adherence to traffic laws when abroad, but rampant lawlessness once back on local roads.
During a recent episode of Road Safety and You, NRSC Chairman Earl Lambert did not mince words.

“When we leave Guyana and we go outside, we toe the line. When we’re in Guyana, we do as we like because we feel we own the place,” the officer claimed.
The remark came amid complaints about reckless parking, overloaded minibuses, and drivers openly flouting road signs and signals.
Police noted that many motorists who have no issue following rules in the United States (US), Canada, or the Caribbean return home and immediately disregard regulations.
The situation, he said, is worsened by drivers who, according to police, display a blatant disregard for pedestrian safety and other road users. Meanwhile, Inspector Mark Forde, who is attached to the Turkeyen Police Station, stated that persons are in the habit of parking their vehicles anywhere.
“We cannot want to park our vehicle anywhere and go conduct our business. We need to abide by the laws laid down in terms of parking and stopping,” he explained, adding that illegal parking remains one of the biggest contributors to congestion in Georgetown and other urban centres.
Police say they are stepping up enforcement, including the use of clamps, towing, and ticketing. But they admit that changing public behaviour is just as critical as law enforcement.
Authorities are urging citizens to play their part by reporting reckless drivers and illegal parking through the Ministry of Home Affairs’ SecureEye app, which allows for anonymous submissions of photos and video evidence.
With road expansion projects underway and traffic congestion at a peak, officials warn that unless the public shifts its mindset, enforcement alone will not fix the lawless culture plaguing the nation’s roads.
Just last year, the former president of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Kester Huston, emphasised the critical link between road culture and tourism in Guyana.
Citing concerns over speeding and other road-related issues, Huston underscored how these factors could significantly deter tourists from coming here.
As the voice of the business community in Georgetown, Hutson has shed light on this pressing issue, which extends beyond mere transportation logistics.
Speaking on the “Traffic and You” programme, he pointed out that the experience of travelling on Guyana’s roadways can form a crucial part of tourists’ overall impression of the country.
He said that the prevalent culture of speeding and other reckless driving on the roads significantly deters potential visitors.
Huston highlighted the need for a collaborative effort between the Government, law enforcement agencies, and the private sector to address these challenges effectively.
He suggested initiatives such as enhanced road safety awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to create a safer and more inviting environment for both locals and tourists.