GPF records 50% decline in road accidents in Division 6 – Traffic Officer

…says “Eyes in the Sky” initiative yielding results

Traffic Officer of Division Six, Assistant Superintendent Charles Hooke reported that the region has recorded a staggering 50 per cent decline in road accidents for 2024 when compared to last year.
During a recently-televised programme, Hooke stated that 97 accidents were recorded from January to date last year when compared to 47 this year.
Hooke attributes this significant decline in road accidents to the diligent efforts of law enforcement officials in implementing robust traffic enforcement measures throughout the region.
Additionally, educational initiatives such as lectures to schools, religious organisations, and drivers have played a pivotal role in raising awareness and promoting safer driving practices.
“This didn’t happen by chance; it is the continuing and robust traffic work that we have been doing throughout our region…we also pay great emphasis on our black spots where we observe where accidents occur frequently. We target those areas and ensure that we conduct our robust exercise to reduce the accident figure throughout the region,” he explained.
Despite this notable achievement, Hooke acknowledged that challenges persisted, particularly concerning motorcyclists. He highlighted concerns regarding motorcyclists riding without helmets and modifying their exhaust systems, contributing to noise pollution.
“This’s not only within our region but countrywide…it is causing noise pollution in the region and the entire country. We want to advise people to desist from doing such. If you are stopped and it is observed that the silencer is not on the motorcycle, you will be arrested and charged,” Hooke said.
Warning that offenders will face legal consequences, he emphasised the importance of adhering to traffic regulations for the safety of all road users.
Furthermore, Assistant Superintendent Hooke addressed issues related to vehicles with coloured lights and tinted windows, reaffirming the authorities’ commitment to addressing such offences and ensuring that offenders are prosecuted accordingly.
“With the tinted motor vehicles, persons are tinting the windscreen of the vehicle… we would take off the tint today, it is a business, and before the day ends, they find a tint shop and put it on back. Notwithstanding, we will still target those offences and ensure that persons are placed before the court”, he stated.
Highlighting the effectiveness of the “Eyes in the Sky” initiative, which employs drones for surveillance and crime prevention, the Assistant Superintendent underscored its role in apprehending individuals evading law enforcement.
Since its implementation in April, the initiative has led to the prosecution of 175 motorcyclists.
“We are targeting the cyclists, and we would like to advise motorcyclists to ensure that they have the right documentation…and ensure that the cycle you are riding is registered, because we have a lot of unregistered motorcyclists,” the Assistant Superintendent said.
Meanwhile, the Traffic Officer emphasised the need for cooperation from all stakeholders to further reduce road accidents and create a safer environment for all residents in Region Six.