With the holiday season approaching, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has reinforced its commitment to cracking down on traffic violations. Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh, Traffic Chief, has declared that while efforts are being made to manage the increased congestion, there will be zero tolerance for road users who violate traffic laws.
Speaking on the police programme Traffic and You on Friday, Singh emphasised: “There are and will be persons who will not comply with the rules of the road…we encourage you, but you will be ticketed and or charged.”
The traffic chief highlighted a comprehensive strategy to address holiday traffic, particularly in high-activity areas like Georgetown, East Bank Demerara (EBD), and Region Three. He stressed that measures, including park-and-ride systems and carpooling, have been suggested to reduce congestion. Singh also noted the challenges faced by the department, such as limited manpower and resources, and called for the accelerated rollout of intelligent traffic systems.
Traffic Chief, Superintendent Mahendra Singh
“Until the technological rollout is made fully for intelligent traffic cameras, smart city transport, and other means… it demands the physical presence of a police rank,” Singh added.
The heightened vigilance coincides with recent directives by President Dr Irfaan Ali, who has condemned the rampant indiscipline on Guyana’s roadways. Addressing the issue of reckless driving, particularly by truck operators. The President announced that licences will be suspended for drivers caught speeding more than three times along major roadways such as Heroes Highway.
“We cannot continue to have this type of indiscipline on our roadways, especially with the trucks and truck drivers,” President Ali stated, adding that truck owners may soon face penalties for their drivers’ misconduct.
President Ali has called for the enhanced enforcement of updated traffic laws, including the tougher penalties for drunk driving introduced earlier this year. These legislative changes include raising fines for driving under the influence to as much as $300,000 for repeat offenders and instituting vehicle manslaughter charges for fatalities caused by drunk driving.
In light of these measures, the President also announced plans to introduce speed advisories, digital boards to monitor speeds, and additional body cameras for traffic ranks. He emphasised the need for bar owners to comply with liquor licensing regulations, warning of potential licence suspensions for non-compliance.
So far in 2024, 99 fatalities have been recorded on Guyana’s roads, compared to 148 in the same period last year. Despite this decline, reckless driving remains a significant concern, with over 60,000 traffic tickets issued this year, amounting to $400 million in fines.
The GPF’s intensified holiday policing efforts aim not only to reduce congestion but also to prioritise safety for all road users during one of the busiest times of the year.
“Each [region] has been given the attention it so deserves,” Singh affirmed. “The focus is to reduce congestion while at the same time we enforce the law.” (G9)
