By Teni Housty
Several years ago when we here in Guyana were described as experiencing a crime spree, if someone were to emerge from the shade on a road pointing an object at you, the driver would react. The reaction would be to speed up, pass the person or swerve to avoid the threat that was anticipated. Today, when for example, on Homestretch Avenue or Carifesta Avenue a person emerges from the shade pointing something at you, they are in fact armed. It is more than likely a police officer armed with a speed gun, a ticked book and discretion. If you as the driver ignored the flashing lights (warnings) of oncoming motorists and did not slow down, you would find yourself snared in the speed trap set by the police officer. The officer exercises the power and stops the driver. This contribution explores the ‘then what?‘ after the stop. It first examines the manner in which speed limits are established, then the use of machines to assist in proving speed, followed by options when stopped, concluding with a suggestion regarding respect for rights, consistency and the administration of justice.
We start from the position that laws must be obeyed. For particular zones on the road, there is a maximum allowable speed which is established by law. If you exceed that maximum speed you have
