GCCI urges restrictions on importation of sirens, flashing lights

Days after the Traffic Chief (ag), Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh, had initiated a rigorous crackdown on the unauthorised use of sirens and “doom lights” by private vehicle owners, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has thrown its firm support behind the campaign.
Singh had related that this initiative is a significant step in ongoing efforts to maintain law and order on the nation’s roads. He said that only fire, police, and ambulance vehicles are authorised to use sirens and flashing lights.
The GCCI, in a release on Friday, stated that emergency lights and sirens are prescribed for use by the Guyana Fire Service, the Guyana Police Force, and ambulances. However, there has been an increase in private vehicles bearing these devices for bypassing areas with congested traffic.
“These actions are not only illegal, but pose a risk to road users, as they can confuse; and use of same by drivers not trained in defensive driving can result in accidents,” the GCCI has said.
With the growing number of road fatalities in Guyana, the GCCI has said, it applauds the measures being taken by the Traffic Department to curb these practices.
“Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort addressing access to these items. As such, conditionalities must be placed on their importation. The GCCI is therefore urging the Customs Authority to place restrictions on the import of lights and sirens, limiting access strictly to the agencies authorised to use same.”
The GCCI further emphasised the importance of responsible use of the roadways by all motorists and pedestrians.
Recently, Top Cop Clifton Hicken reported decreases in various types of accidents. Fatal accidents dropped from 68 in 2023 to 50 in 2024, marking a 26% reduction.
Deaths resulting from these accidents decreased from 78 in 2023 to 60 in 2024, a reduction of 23%. Serious accidents fell from 176 in 2023 to 158 in 2024, a 10% decrease, while minor accidents declined from 223 in 2023 to 211 in 2024, showing a 5% reduction. The number of damage accidents also saw a decrease from 420 in 2023 to 398 in 2024.