‘Wrapped’ minibuses still on Police radar – acting Traffic Chief
Weeks after over 30 ‘wrapped’ minibuses were pulled in by officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) as part of a campaign to tackle buses that breach the traffic laws, it has been revealed that the exercise was still ongoing as part of standard Police procedures.
Some of the buses that were pulled over by Police ranks during the campaign
Speaking with Guyana Times, acting Traffic Chief Ramesh Ashram noted that Police ranks would be on the lookout for these minibuses.
“The Police [are] working normal as usual, but when we catch people with these wraps and things, we take the necessary actions,” Ashram stated.
As per standard procedures, owners of the vehicles will be given a certain period of time to have their buses rectified. The colours of the buses will also be checked to verify whether they correspond with the information on the respective registration forms. Ashram stated that these requirements would determine the span of time that the bus owners are given to make the necessary changes.
In an earlier interview, Ashram explained that the ‘wrap’ is a common trend that was somewhat similar to the process of tinting the vehicles and it was very difficult to remove. A machine applies the design in the form of a ‘wrap’.
A campaign was implemented in March under which buses were pulled over along their routes and upon inspection, the defaulting vehicles were taken to the Brickdam Police Station. The acting Traffic Chief had estimated that over 30 minibuses were breaching the traffic regulations by possessing these ‘wraps’.
Meanwhile, the drivers who were pulled over by the Police Officers have related that this affected their livelihood as they would lose money when their vehicles could not work. Citizens who use the buses as a means of transportation also expressed their concern, noting that when the minibuses were not functioning, it was difficult to get from one place to another.
However, the acting Traffic Chief noted that this could be avoided if the traffic rules and regulations are followed. Checks will be made countrywide and drivers will face the necessary consequences if their vehicles are ‘wrapped’ instead of spray-painted.
Following the initial protest by minibus owners/drivers, A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) Commander, Assistant Commissioner Leslie James had announced that the GPF was easing the clampdown on these buses.
