THE local minibus culture has evolved from bad to worse and it is a very worrying trend to the travelling public. This has not escaped the attention of the GPF Traffic Department, and as such, they will continue to step up their awareness campaign.

Irving added there is always the need for constant education of all road users so they can be reminded to use the roads in a better manner.

The manner in which passengers are treated leaves much to be desired and it would pain anyone to sit in any minibus while children and the elderly are verbally abused and mistreated on a daily basis.

In some cases these uncouth minibus drivers are in such a rush that they do not wait until the elderly are properly seated before they drive off and children are packed into buses like sardines.

In response, Irving urged all passengers to report such conduct to any police station for redress; because minibus operators must at all times adhere to the laws of the road and at no time ill treat passengers.

He also appealed to minibus operators to be neatly groomed and desist from consuming alcoholic beverages while driving. Additionally, he urged them to be fair to all passengers since they are providing a service to the general public.

Fatalities
Irving revealed that they have recorded 98 road accidents with 106 deaths, while for the corresponding period last year they had 76 road accidents with 82 deaths.

Noting the increase in fatalities this year, Irving implored all road-users to be more attentive, drivers to reduce speed and be courteous ahead of Road Safety Month, which will be observed in November this year.

(By Michel Outridge)