15-seater drivers will no longer be charged

A TRAFFIC officer of Anna Regina Police Station on Essequibo Coast has told scores of drivers that those who drive 15-seater minibuses will no longer be charged for not having conductors on board.In the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) last Thursday, Corporal Matthew Greg said, while that may be good news for members of the Essequibo MiniBus and Hire Cars Association, the drivers should put more focus and attention while driving on the public road.
He recalled an accident that occurred on the Land of Plenty Public Road recently, where an overseas-based Guyanese and his son were killed on the spot by a speeding hire car, because the driver of the vehicle involved was not paying attention and attending to his cell phone when the fatality occurred.
Greg reiterated that drivers must pay heed to every road user and implement the five Cs while driving.
He said some are misusing the signals on the roadway and driving with headlamps on during the day.

Main contributors
Addressing the issue of speeding, the corporal said it is one of the main contributors to accidents on the public road and called for drivers to observe the speed limit in various areas and never be in a hurry.
Chairman of the MiniBus and Hire Cars Association, Mr. Nazmul Mohamed lamented that one of the main problems faced by hire car operators on Essequibo Coast is competing with private cars.
According to him, the private cars are allowed to work as hire cars at the park, play loud music and the police do nothing to stop the lawlessness.
Mohamed also lashed out at young inexperienced drivers who are mostly women.
He said police officers need to go to church and learn some courtesy, because many traffic ranks do not practice any with drivers.
Mohamed also called on the police to move vehicles that are illegally parked and vendors who are obstructing traffic on the road to Anna Regina Market.
He said vehicles and vendors are causing serious traffic problems and the police are not doing anything to address them.(Rajendra Prabhulall)