Reckless driving: Home Affairs Ministry mulls revising licensing process for truck drivers – Benn

In light of the reckless behavior being displayed by some truck drivers on the country’s roadways, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn recently revealed that the Home Affairs Ministry is considering specialised training for these category of road users.
The Minister made this highlight on Friday During a press conference to address issues concerning road safety. During the press conference Benn discussed the influx of trucks and larger vehicles on the roadways which is as a direct result of the country’s rapidly expanding economy inclusive of the construction boom and the large number of developmental projects.
As such, persons have been complaining to officials about the reckless manner in which truck drivers utilise the roads. Benn explained that persons who operate trucks are required to have a certain level of experience and be of a certain age, based on existing regulations.
“Well, the reality is, in fact, that most persons are supposed to be passed through in acceptance on the way they handle a truck. We’ve noticed that a number of people are asking to move from car to van and then to truck. And based on age and experience, at the level of the police, a determination would be made.”
However, in light of repeated concerns from the population, the Minister revealed that specialised training may become a necessity for persons desirous of operating these vehicles.“But yes, it’s a valid issue that you’re raising, that for all of these ways in the transportation sector, it means that we’ll have to up the level of quality of training and awareness and attitude in relation to how we do things.”
Moreover, the increase of motor lorries on the country’s roadways has resulted in several challenges. The situation has even led the Government to establishing special parking facilities for these categories of vehicles. Meanwhile, Minister Benn has revealed that the Ministry is currently looking to implement systems that will reduce the number of trucks on the roadways.
“Particularly, I would have wished that we had the capacity and the means to barge much of the materials which they’re moving on the rivers onto the coast, and that is still something we have to have in discussion with Public Works, that you barge down the river, the sand or the stone, and you don’t necessarily drop it here, but you drop it closer to your site. But infrastructure would have to go into place, but we’ll have to look at it.”
Additionally, as the Ministry gears up to observe road safety month, the Minister made a call for greater collaboration between the public and other entities.
“Doing the right thing is the responsibility of every Guyanese and of every person in our territory, and does, of course, extend to persons requiring all types of public services, respect, and care. The Ministry of Home Affairs is initiating this campaign, with initial emphasis on the launching of the approaching National Road Safety Month, November 2024. We are hereby asking the public and all institutional businesses and corporate entities who have vested interest in this matter relating to these concerns to take note and to support this endeavor.”