The Guyana Police Force has managed to charge over 6,000 defaulting drivers since the launching of Traffic Department’s ‘Operation Safeway’ campaign.
The campaign was officially launched on November 1l with the aim of curbing acts of lawlessness which have resulted in over 192 deaths so far for this year as compared to 126 during the corresponding period last year.
Some of the new measures that the police have placed major emphasis on include speeding, loud music in public transportation, heavily tinted vehicles, breaching traffic light signals, unlighted motor vehicles and overloading. Several pedestrians have also been charged with not adhering to the traffic light signals. As part of the campaign, the department has also been publishing photographs and video clips of errant drivers and it is in the process of re-examining the issue of defective tyres.
In addition, all minibus and hire car drivers will be re-examined through licensing and certifying officers. The police have also implemented the new traffic ticketing systems, which have resulted in increased fines ranging from $5,000 to $7,000. The fine before the new system was $150.
Meanwhile, National Road Safety Week observance begins tomorrow and ends on Saturday December 1, under the theme: ‘Stop the carnage. Slow down’. Several activities have been planned, including a church service at the St George’s Cathedral, visits to the Accident Ward at the Georgetown Public Hospital by members of the National Road Safety Council and police officers and a one-day mini-exhibition on November 28 at the National Stadium Providence, East Bank Demerara. There will also be an owners/drivers workshop on Saturday December 1 at the St Stanislaus College. In addition, there will be televised and radio messages by Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee and the Acting Commissioner of Police Henry Greene.
