To tackle growing road safety concerns, President Dr Irfaan Ali said that the Government plans to tighten regulations around the illegal use of sirens and emergency lights on authorised vehicles.
On this note, he stated that the Government will be updating its laws to introduce provisions for the imposition of fines and the revocation of drivers’ licences for the illegal use of sirens and emergency lights on vehicles.
Speaking in a prerecorded message flanked by top officials from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), including acting Commissioner Clifton Hicken and Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh, the President warned that those who continue to abuse these devices will face strict legal action.
“If you have sirens and emergency lights illegally on your vehicle, I’m asking you to remove them immediately… “I’ve asked the Attorney General (AG) to amend the laws with a fine and suspension of licences for persons who are illegally using them,” the president stated.
The Head of State further stated that, the amended law will clamp down on security companies whose drivers are abusing the use of sirens and emergency lights.
“Security companies granted permission for the use of lights, the law will also provide for the removal of those lights and suspension of security licences if you are abusing them,” the President warned, adding that “we are seeing tremendous abuse.”
Some months ago, Senior Superintendent and Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh called out businesses that sell these products, as well as officials at Customs and Excise, who are responsible for preventing the importation of such items into Guyana, expressing his disappointment.
However, President Ali revealed that he has also asked the Commissioner of Police and his team to move immediately on all entities that are selling these illegal lights and sirens, as well as those who are installing them.
Whilst stressing about this ongoing issue, President Ali relayed that he has gone above and beyond because this situation is important to him, and it must stop. However, it was made clear that it can only come to a halt if the Guyanese population works in unison.
“These matters are important to me, the Government, the police, and more importantly the people of our country. We have to stop this nonsense on our roadways. And we can only do so if we do so collectively, together as a people. So, drivers, I’m appealing to you. No one is going after you.”
He made it clear that the biggest request the law officials are making is simply that road users comply with the law so that they can save their own lives and others while on the roadways.
In July of 2024, Traffic Chief Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh pointed out that a worrying trend had emerged, with private citizens installing these devices on their vehicles, mimicking emergency vehicles and potentially causing confusion and danger on the roads.
To this end, he declared that once caught, there would be straight court proceedings, nothing else.
By targeting unauthorised use of sirens and flashing lights, the police are not only ensuring compliance with the law but also fostering a safer environment for all road users.
Only recently, the GPF issued a stern warning to private security vehicles that have been using sirens.
The Road Traffic (Guyana Fire Service) Order, made under Section 49, specifically states: “Approved Police Vehicle means any vehicle carrying a lamp showing to the front an amber light and sounding continually a bell, gong, or siren. Vehicles of the Fire Service means any engine, pump, trailer, or another vehicle of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), and includes any vehicle carrying a lamp showing an amber light and sounding continually a bell, gong, or siren, in which any member of the Guyana Fire Service is being conveyed to any fire or suspected fire.”
Citizens have been moving to install sirens and flashing lights on their vehicles to clear the road during traffic congestion, particularly during rush hours.
