Public cooperation essential in restoring discipline – Georgetown Traffic Cop

-urges citizens to report lawless minibus drivers, reckless e-bike riders-urges citizens to report lawless minibus drivers, reckless e-bike riders

In an effort to curb the growing disorder on Guyana’s roads, police are turning to the public for help in identifying and reporting traffic violations by rogue minibus drivers and reckless electric bike riders.
During a recent episode of “Road Safety and You”, Superintendent of Police Raun Clarke, Traffic Officer for Regional Division 4A (Georgetown), emphasised that public cooperation is essential in restoring discipline, especially in high-traffic zones across Georgetown. Superintendent Clarke urged members of the public to report traffic offenders, particularly minibus drivers who ignore rules, and e-bike riders who operate without regard for safety.
“We’re going to share a number… get the bus numbers and you can call in,” he said, encouraging viewers to help by noting the licence plate or identifying details of errant drivers. This move comes amid increased reports of minibuses loading and stopping outside designated areas, often causing traffic build-up, particularly in central Georgetown.
E-bike riders, many of whom are unlicensed or riding without helmets, have also been seen weaving dangerously through traffic and ignoring stop signals.
With traffic ranks already deployed across major hotspots from the city to the East Coast corridor, police say citizen support will strengthen enforcement efforts.
“We can’t be everywhere at once,” Clarke noted, “but with your help, we can hold offenders accountable.”
The traffic department plans to make a WhatsApp and telephone line available for citizens to submit complaints, photo evidence, or tips.
This approach follows similar efforts used in the past, where public tips led to successful interventions. Authorities say reports will be handled confidentially and forwarded to the appropriate division for action.
The police are also reminding the public that while reporting is encouraged, confronting offenders directly is not advised. Citizens are urged to observe safely and pass information to officers instead.
In 2023, the National Assembly passed amendments to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic laws to regulate the use of electric bikes in Guyana.
The move came amid a rise in road accidents and fatalities involving these vehicles.
The bill, introduced by Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn and supported by both Government and opposition members, defines electric cycles as motorised bikes requiring brakes or motor control systems, and subjects them to the same registration and traffic rules as motorcycles.
Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall had emphasised the need for regulation due to the growing number of accidents, particularly involving unlicensed and underage riders without protective gear.