–officers to undergo training before devices are installed, Traffic Chief says

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) is moving ahead with the implementation of speed limiters, with the devices now in its possession and training for certified officers scheduled to begin on Monday.
Traffic Chief, Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh, said the training will be conducted for officers identified and certified to carry out the installation and related processes.
“Speed limiters are already in the police’s possession and the next step, the very important one, is the training of our Licenced [sic] and Certified [sic] Officers,” Singh said.
He said that following completion of the training, officers will begin installing the devices on the relevant vehicles, after which the speed limiters will be verified and certified before they are officially implemented.
According to Singh, the devices are intended to control the maximum speed at which vehicles fitted with them can travel, forming part of efforts to improve road safety and reduce accidents.
As he noted, “It allows for the motor lorry to travel at a certain speed that has been capped. That is the maximum speed at which you will be allowed to travel with one of the devices or devices installed.”
While the implementation of speed limiters is expected to strengthen enforcement and road safety, Singh stressed that technology alone cannot address the country’s road-safety challenges.
He said a significant change in drivers’ behaviour is also necessary, particularly as there is an established culture of motorists failing to properly observe road rules.
He shared, “One thing that can be done to ensure safety on the roadways is a change in the behaviour of a driver.”
The Traffic Chief urged motorists to obey the rules of the road, follow traffic signs and operate within the prescribed speed limits. He also called on drivers to operate lawfully and avoid behaviours that can place themselves and other road users at risk.
Singh specifically urged motorists not to drive under the influence of alcohol, while reminding them of their responsibility to give priority to vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, the elderly and persons with disabilities.
“It is worth it to ensure a few things. One, you drive within speed limits. Two, you would not drive under the influence of alcohol. Three, you give priority to those who are challenged or vulnerable such as pedestrians, the elderly or the disabled,” he said.
The Traffic Chief said road safety ultimately requires the involvement of everyone who uses Guyana’s roadways.
He encouraged members of the public to play their part in creating safer roads, noting that the police and other stakeholders cannot achieve the desired improvements without responsible behaviour from motorists and other road users.
With the speed limiters now delivered, the upcoming training represents the next stage before the devices are installed, verified and certified for use, paving the way for their implementation in keeping Guyana’s roadways safe.