Police are increasing efforts to ensure taxi drivers comply with road safety regulations, following concerns over reckless driving, illegal parking, and traffic obstruction. During a recent televised ‘Road Safety and You’ programme, Inspector Sherwin Henry of the Traffic Headquarters’ Education Section in Georgetown highlighted ongoing enforcement actions targeting taxi drivers in high-traffic areas.
“For the week, we went to different taxi service areas. Myself and team, which have the dedication, went to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). We engaged with the drivers there. We had an interaction with them. We spoke about the rules of the road,” Henry stated.
He also noted that authorities addressed congestion issues at key locations. “Then we went to the Soesdyke Junction where we engaged the taxis doing the short drop and so on. And they assured the police that they will comply with the rules of the road, especially if you have some complaints of force you might see, where they’re coming out from the park and they’re causing some sort of obstruction.”
Inspector Sherwin Henry of the Traffic Headquarters’ Education Section
The discussion also covered problematic areas where taxis have been disrupting traffic flow.
“And also, the red road area is another area we had to target because there are persons that are concerned about that area too, because the intersection is wide and the taxi just parked there anyhow and so on. So we were telling them and reminding them about the rules of the road, the way how to park, about not leaving the vehicles in a dangerous position, and so on.”
Henry further explained that the initiative was widespread, targeting multiple locations where taxi operations have raised safety concerns.
“We went to different areas. We went even as far as Agricultural Road there, there are the taxis there, we had a talk with them and even within the hospital. Most areas we targeted were areas where we have a lot of traffic flowing and the way the taxi maneuver and cause some sort of obstruction and so on.”
With continued education and enforcement efforts, authorities hope to reduce congestion and improve overall road safety.
Last year, President Irfan Ali, along with Traffic Chief Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh and Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken, directed full enforcement of traffic laws. The President emphasised the use of technology, including body cameras and Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV), to identify reckless drivers.
He also highlighted the Government’s investment in traffic cameras, which resulted in hundreds of speeding tickets being issued. Additionally, authorities focused on repeat offenders, with plans for legal action, including licence suspensions.
