GPF rakes in $400M in traffic fines; close to 60,000 tickets issued

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has recorded an unprecedented $400 million in traffic fines this year, with nearly 60,000 tickets issued as part of an intensified campaign to curb road infractions.
Amid an increase in both traffic and road-related fatalities, the GPF’s enforcement drive, led by Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh, targeted high-risk violations like speeding, reckless driving, and impaired driving.
Singh on Thursday attributed the majority of fines to speeding, a persistent issue that continues to drive up accident rates across the country.
“Speeding remains our top issue,” the Traffic Chief stated.
Of the nearly 60,000 tickets issued, over 47,000 were related to speeding, accounting for around $280 million of the total revenue garnered from fines. Fines for infractions like drunk driving and unsafe vehicle maintenance also contributed significantly to the total.
The GPF has expanded its approach to traffic enforcement through increased patrols, strategic checkpoint placements, and investments in monitoring technology. These efforts reflect a commitment to both prevent accidents and hold drivers accountable for unsafe behaviours. Key stretches of major highways and high-risk urban intersections have seen a rise in Police presence, with mobile units deployed to ensure adherence to the law.
The Senior Superintendent, during his address, underscored that “if we can improve road discipline, we’re saving lives and reducing strain on emergency services”.
Traffic enforcement this year has incorporated a new traffic command centre to assist with real-time monitoring and incident response. Equipped with Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) coverage and communication technology, the command centre allows officers to address potential issues swiftly, from high-speed pursuits to major traffic disruptions. The data-driven approach has enabled the GPF to identify and respond to traffic violations, hotspots, and emergencies, ultimately enhancing its capacity to mitigate both congestion and risks.
According to the GPF, this year’s financial gains from tickets are not just a windfall for the Government but also a vital step towards sustained road safety. Reckless driving in Guyana is an ongoing challenge, resulting in frequent and sometimes deadly road accidents. The economic toll of these accidents, from emergency medical care to damage repair costs, has been high for both the State and its citizens. Singh reiterated the importance of this rigorous enforcement, noting that reducing accident rates could save many lives and preserve State resources.
One priority for the GPF has been enhancing educational outreach to promote responsible driving habits. Public awareness campaigns, often targeting young drivers, emphasise the importance of safety measures like helmet use for motorcyclists and mandatory seatbelts. The GPF has also collaborated with schools and community organisations to foster long-term behavioural change among drivers. Acknowledging that enforcement alone cannot address deep-seated cultural issues informing road behaviour, Singh affirmed that “changing a culture takes time, but education is crucial to achieving meaningful progress”.
As the holiday season approaches, the GPF anticipates increased travel and potential spikes in road accidents due to heavier traffic and festive gatherings. In response, they are preparing additional traffic control measures, including temporary road adjustments, designated parking zones, and extended patrols at high-traffic locations like shopping centres and transportation hubs. Singh indicated that maintaining road safety during the holidays would be a priority, aiming to protect public welfare while supporting local business activity and tourism.
“During the holiday season, our priority is to ensure that everyone reaches their destination safely,” Singh stated.
The GPF has also coordinated with regional commanders across the country to prepare for localized traffic control, especially in high-density commercial zones such as Lethem, Bartica, and major shopping districts. Emergency parking zones, like the Providence National Stadium tarmac, are designated to help handle overflow, while additional ranks will be positioned at critical intersections to facilitate traffic flow.
Under Singh’s leadership, the GPF Traffic Department has also proposed and implemented several measures aimed at reducing accidents and improving road safety. These include staggered enforcement teams focusing on impaired driving and speeding, expanded use of smart traffic lights, and increased road signage. The GPF has also submitted proposals for illuminated road markings and congestion pricing in key areas to alleviate heavy traffic flow.
It has also rolled out mandatory helmet enforcement on the Demerara Harbour Bridge, in partnership with the bridge’s management. “If you aren’t wearing a helmet, you won’t cross,” Singh stated firmly, reinforcing the GPF’s zero-tolerance approach to safety violations.
Highlighting the broader social and economic impacts of road accidents, Singh pointed out the strain on healthcare resources and the lost productivity due to accident-related injuries.
“We intend to reduce these incidents through consistent enforcement and public awareness,” he stated. The GPF’s efforts, he noted, aim not only at controlling traffic but at reducing the financial and social burden of road accidents on families and communities.
As the GPF intensifies its holiday operations, Traffic Chief Singh concluded with a message to the public: “Observe traffic rules, use designated drivers, and prioritise your safety and the safety of others on the road. Together, we can make this holiday season safer for everyone.” (G9)