The Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department has ramped up its efforts to improve road safety and compliance, recording a staggering 2,824 traffic violations between February 9 and February 15, 2025. This intensified campaign aims to address the persistent issues plaguing Guyana’s roads and reduce the number of accidents and fatalities.

Major Offenses

The campaign revealed several prevalent traffic violations:

1. Speeding: 435 cases of exceeding the speed limit were recorded, highlighting the ongoing challenge of controlling vehicle speeds on Guyana’s roads.
2. Illegal Tinted Glass: 401 cases were reported, indicating a significant problem with non-compliant vehicle windows.
3. Safety Equipment Violations:
   • 138 cases of failure to wear seatbelts
   • 139 cases of failure to wear safety helmets

Additional Violations

Other notable infractions included:

• 14 cases of Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
• 89 cases of unlighted motor vehicles (front and rear)
• 113 cases of breach of condition of prescribed fitness

Educational Initiatives

The Traffic Department’s campaign extends beyond enforcement to include educational outreach:

• Traffic ranks visited several schools across various regions, including Pakera Nursery in Region 1 and Lusignan Primary in Region 4C, to educate students on road safety.
• Lectures were conducted for drivers at key locations such as the Suddie Public Road and Friendship Public Road.

Engagement with Bar Owners

In a proactive move to address alcohol-related traffic incidents, the police engaged with bar owners and patrons:

• Discussions focused on the Intoxicating Liquor Licence Amendment Act
• Visits were made to establishments like Palm Court on Main Street and Tribe Bar on Church Street

Long-term Impact

This intensified campaign is part of a broader strategy to improve road safety in Guyana. In 2024, the Guyana Police Force collected approximately $400 million in traffic fines, with nearly 60,000 tickets issued. The majority of these fines were attributed to speeding violations, which continue to be a primary concern for traffic authorities.

As the campaign progresses, the Guyana Police Force remains committed to reducing traffic violations through a combination of strict enforcement, public engagement, and educational initiatives. The ultimate goal is to create safer roads for all Guyanese citizens and visitors alike.