Prioritise vehicle maintenance ahead/during rainy season – GPF urges drivers

With the rainy season looming, the Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department is urging drivers across the nation to prioritise vehicle maintenance to ensure their safety on the roadways.
As heavy rains are anticipated to increase the risk of accidents and mechanical issues, the GPF emphasised the importance of proactive measures to enhance road safety.

Sergeant Delon Hilliman, a rank attached to the Traffic Department stationed at Vreed-en-hoop, West Coast Demerara (WCD) appeared during the recent televised programme, where he shared valuable insights on preparing vehicles for the challenges of inclement weather.
He noted the importance of proactive vehicle upkeep, especially with the unpredictable weather conditions ahead. The officer stressed that neglecting these aspects could significantly increase the risk of accidents, endangering not only the driver but also other road users.
“There are vehicles on the road that are not properly maintained…drivers have to ensure that their wipers are working, ensure they do the basic tip of the morning which is to check your tyres, check your oil… we have some large vehicles in Guyana, and you wouldn’t want to be caught in between any of them. So, just make sure that your vehicles are maintained…”, he underscored.
Meanwhile, during the program’s call-in segment, concerned citizens from across the country voiced various traffic-related issues. Overloading of buses emerged as a prominent concern, with callers expressing worries about the safety hazards posed by overcrowded vehicles.

However, the police rank assured listeners that the Traffic Department would intensify efforts to enforce regulations on passenger capacity, ensuring safer journeys for commuters. Additionally, callers lamented the presence of touts harassing passengers at minibus parks, creating an atmosphere of intimidation and discomfort.
Over the years, the problem of bus overloading and touting has persisted in Guyana, prompting calls for urgent action from various quarters. Eon Andrews, President of the United Minibus Union (UMU), has repeatedly urged the Traffic Department of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to address the issue of overloaded buses.
In an interview with Guyana Times, Andrews emphasised the unlawfulness of cramming passengers into buses beyond their seating capacity.
He stressed the importance of law enforcement in preventing such practices, stating, “The police, I am expecting to lock up these people… passengers should not agree to that. They cannot pack up these buses. They need to take this seriously.” Andrews highlighted the lack of alternatives for many commuters who rely on public transportation and called for accountability from bus owners and relevant institutions.
Meanwhile, efforts to tackle touting at minibus parks have been underway, with the police pursuing arrests. In the most recent case, a significant crackdown resulted in the arrest and charging of 29 touts across the country. This ongoing initiative was aimed at restoring order and civility at bus parks by eliminating touting activities.