Dear Editor,
It was very pleasing to hear the announcement by the Guyana Police Force that zero tolerance would be applied to all traffic violations, in order to make our roadways safer for use by all. This position was correctly supported by the government and all concerned stakeholders. However, it would appear that zero tolerance has a different meaning than I had thought.
It is still the norm in minibuses for three passengers and the conductor to sit in the row of seats immediately behind the drivers’ seats. And this is seen by traffic ranks who tolerate this situation. Passengers in the front seats are not adhering to the law requiring wearing of seat belts. In fact, the middle front seat has no seat belt installed. On one occasion when I was compelled to use that seat, on enquiry the driver rudely told me to take another bus. Has the law requiring a particular size and font for the destination markings on minibuses, and the colour bands been changed?
Motorcyclists ride large machines without crash helmets in full view of traffic ranks. Particularly, a wannabe president and the champion racing car driver even hail traffic ranks when passing on their super bikes, albeit without wearing crash helmets. And what is the law on motorcyclists wearing fibreglass helmets designed for pedal cyclists?
I wrote about the serious situation existing at the Diamond Housing Scheme main bridge. Someone is going to die or be seriously injured at that location. Will the Traffic Chief visit that junction any morning between 7 am and 8.30 am and any afternoon between 4 pm and 7pm? That car park must be moved from the present site.
Let zero tolerance have its correct meaning.
Yours faithfully
Rudolph D Mahadeo
