more street lights, traffic cameras, patrols among plans

TRAFFIC Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh, has reiterated the commitment of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to ensuring that there is safety on the roadways.

He made this announcement while presenting the traffic department’s policing plans for the upcoming Christmas season. The event was held at the Police Officers Mess at Eve Leary on Wednesday.

“Our intention [is to] ensure the unhindered flow of all forms of traffic within all regional police divisions, to minimise traffic congestion in and around the critical areas of activities, to conduct continuous awareness programmes [which are] aimed at ensuring all plans, routes of travel, and safety information meets the target audience,” he said.

According to a risk assessment, there is likely to be an increase in accidents across the country and an increase in alcohol consumption by road users, among other issues.

Also, when comparing the 2023 traffic accidents and deaths statistics to those of 2022, there was an overall 9 per cent decrease. However, there was an increase in the number of fatal accidents and deaths.

With the number of fatal accidents in 2023 increasing by 59 per cent and deaths climbing to 71 per cent, the traffic chief stressed that there will be stricter monitoring on the roadways.

In the categories of serious, minor and damage accidents, the decline was 19, 17 and 7 per cent, respectively.

While explaining the methods that will be implemented, Singh said each region will be divided into sectors and staffed by traffic ranks. There will be an increase in fixed point placement along the main thoroughfares and motorcycle and motor vehicle patrols will be done, among several other initiatives.

Additionally, there will be installation of lights along key roads and traffic cameras to safeguard road users.

Earlier this year, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, said that he had instructed the GPF to launch a massive road safety campaign throughout the country, given the increase in deaths caused by road accidents.

“I have already told the police that we have to do a number of things; one, launch a massive road safety campaign across the country where you have more visuals, markings…,” he said.

Dr. Ali was adamant that drinking and driving, and speeding have to be addressed, but the response needs to be seen as a collective responsibility.

The increase in road accidents is of great national concern, he had said, adding: “And if you look, frankly speaking, a lot of the accidents have to do with excessive speeding and drinking and driving.”

President Ali added that he requested statistics on how many accidents occur in the early morning hours because such must be among the things ranks have to look at in order to develop and implement adequate safety measures.

In July 2023, to aid in reducing road fatalities, a Road Safety Awareness Campaign, “Respect the Road,” was launched by the GPF in collaboration with the Government of Guyana and Impressions.