Vehicles double-parked during Christmas season will be clamped – Police

In its bid to reduce congestion in the Georgetown area during the Christmas season, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has reintroduced the clamping of illegally-parked vehicles.
This clamping of motor vehicles is expected to commence soon, according to Deputy Superintendent Timothy Moore, who is attached to Regional Division 4A.
This measure had previously been introduced in the city, but it was not enforced. Over the years, other steps have been taken to reduce traffic congestion, including traffic changes, with some roads being designated for one-way traffic.
Moore has said that clamps would be placed on vehicles which have infringed traffic arrangements, and in cases where their owners cannot be located. The vehicles can also be towed to the nearest Police station, where a fine of $10,000 would have to be paid before a vehicle is released to its owner.
He added that clamping would be the last resort, and would be employed only if the driver of the vehicle cannot be found.
“We will check to see, once you are double-parked, we will check to see if we can find the drivers for those vehicles that are not properly parked; and if we cannot locate those drivers, we will have to utilise the clamp,” the Police official has said.
He added that, in order to foster a smooth flow of traffic, more emphasis would be placed on busy areas.
“The plan is to ensure that we have a smooth flow… We are trying and we are working to ensure that we minimise congestion. Our ranks will be out there in their numbers. We have ranks on foot, on motorcycles, and we have ranks in cars…” he said.
“As the Christmas season is dawning upon us, it becomes a major challenge, since many persons are out shopping for supplies, causing traffic to further build up in an already congested city. In most countries, wheel-clamping is one of the less-involved ways that law enforcement officers can use to catch illegal parkers, especially if the vehicle is unattended,” he explained.
“For that reason, the GPF have incorporated wheel clamps to deter violators from parking illegally.
Drivers and motorists are further advised to avoid parking their vehicles illegally during this time, to avoid their vehicles being clamped,” he has advised.