Police “actively monitoring” traffic in Georgetown amid Christmas rush

Amid concerns over hectic traffic congestion in the capital city brought on by the Christmas season, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has deployed the Traffic Department of Police Regional Division 4A to actively patrol hotspots.
A team comprising of one motor car patrol and three motorcycle patrols were sent on Monday to boost the manpower on the streets and additional foot patrol ranks were posted to regulate traffic.
“These patrols have been working to ensure the smooth flow of traffic in Georgetown which includes Camp Street,” said the Force.
It was added that the Traffic Department has been actively monitoring and responding to traffic-related issues during the busy Christmas season. In addition to the patrols, they have ensured that traffic lights in the areas are in working order and are regulating the movements of vehicles and pedestrians.
“We want to assure every citizen and road user that our Traffic Department is proactive in addressing any challenges that arise. We encourage individuals to reach out to us directly to report any specific incidents or concerns regarding traffic enforcement,” a statement from the GPF added.

Last month, the Police Force rolled out its annual Christmas Policing Plan, aimed at controlling crime and traffic across the country. The key features of this plan were heightened Police presence in the streets and communities, and the limiting of traffic in busy commercial zones.
The strategy will continue to be in effect until January 15, 2024. Among the main focus of this plan are: an increase in the deployment of boots on the ground, including both uniformed and plainclothes ranks, during the day and night from Monday to Sunday; increased deployment of anti-crime patrols; fully operational Police booths being located at various areas across the 12 Regional Police Divisions, especially in the main shopping districts, with the aim of receiving crime reports and taking action.
it included deployment of the Marine Patrol, Mounted Patrol and Canine Patrol; deployment of Police patrols to crime hot spots, especially during peak hours; and identifying known suspicious characters at busy shopping areas, commercial banks, car parks and nightspots to act as a deterrent.
Additionally, the strategy entails maintaining a robust presence at chokepoints, checkpoints, and border locations; increased deployment at the two airports – Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and Eugene F Correia International (Ogle) Airport – as Guyana expects an increase in visitors; and the use of new recruits deployed to the various divisions to bolster the complement of ranks.