Security firms warned against using sirens, flashing lights on roadways

…companies in breach of law will have licences revoked – Minister

Traffic Chief, Superintendent Ramesh Ashram has made it clear that the use of sirens and flashing lights on security vehicles was not authorised to get through traffic or clear the roadway for right-of-way.
Superintendent Ashram was at the time speaking to heads and representatives of private security firms at the Police Officers’ Training Centre in Georgetown during a meeting on Tuesday.
The meeting was facilitated to identify issues and concerns and offer suggestions related to security, especially now that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is encouraging collaboration through very structured and developmental approaches.
Ashram, in his address, made it clear that security vehicles were not categorised as “emergency vehicles”, adding that only vehicles from the GPF and Guyana Fire Service (GFS), and ambulances were considered as emergency transport vehicles.

As such, he said that the private security services would need to comply with road rules and regulations, and not have sirens or flashing lights on their vehicles. If caught with such, Ashram said, the revocation of the motor vehicle’s Certificate of Fitness would result.
Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, in his remarks, told representatives of security firms that he was also prepared to revoke the licence of any private security firm found in breach of the law.
The Minister also stated that there was a need for more training to be done with security personnel. He said it was important to maintain a professional security posture, as well as be alert and aware.
“Your responsibility is to provide discrete service to your clients and to protect them, not to act outside of the law,” Minister Benn told the representatives.
Benn said he also looked forward to the strengthening of the partnership and having more collaborative efforts between the private security services and the Police Force.
Only a few months ago, the Traffic Chief had warned that only emergency-type vehicles were authorised to use certain devices. This warning came amid an apparent surge in the use of sirens by ordinary vehicles.
Also in March 2019, the GPF had issued a warning to private security vehicles that had been using sirens. At the time, then Traffic Chief Linden Isles had contended that only emergency vehicles such as ambulances, Police vehicles and fire trucks were allowed by law to go through traffic with such aid.
The GPF Traffic Department had pointed out that the Road Traffic (Guyana Fire Service) Order made under Section 49 specifically states what emergency vehicles are.
It explained, “Approved Police Vehicle means any vehicle carrying a lamp showing to the front an amber light and sounding continually a bell, gong, or siren. Vehicle of the Fire Service means any engine, pump, trailer or another vehicle of the Guyana Fire Service, and includes any vehicle carrying a lamp showing an amber light and sounding continually a bell, gong, or siren, in which any member of the Guyana Fire Service is being conveyed to any fire or suspected fire.” (G9)