By Mark DaCosta- As the Guyana Police Force claims to escalate its efforts to enforce road safety, a significant crackdown on reckless drivers is imminent, with those ignoring their speeding tickets facing the possibility of court summons and arrest warrants. This should mark a pivotal moment in our nation’s approach to combating road fatalities, as the implementation of the Automated Speed Ticketing System has sparked a surge in tickets issued to offenders. President Mr. Irfaan Ali recently underscored the urgency of enforcement, stating the government’s resolve to subject chronic violators to severe penalties like the suspension of their driver’s licences, illuminating a growing frustration with the lack of accountability among motorists.
The Automated Speed Ticketing System has been hailed as a game-changer, utilising cutting-edge technology such as radar sensors and high-definition cameras that operate without direct human oversight. Since its introduction under the Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS) Project, in partnership with the National Data Management Authority, this innovative tool has processed approximately 42,000 speeding infractions. However, only about 10,000 of these fines have been settled, raising questions about the effectiveness of the enforcement measures that the ruling party has put in place. President Ali has made it abundantly clear that this situation cannot persist, as he has threatened to publish the names and photographs of the worst offenders in local newspapers — a drastic move aimed at shaming those who disregard traffic regulations.
Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh, has echoed the President’s sentiments, asserting that the time for leniency is over. “The system has proven its effectiveness in reducing dangerous driving. But enforcement must go hand in hand,” he declared, urging the public to embrace compliance for the sake of road safety. A significant increase in road traffic fatalities highlights the urgency of this initiative — between January and June of this year, our nation saw a 17 percent rise in fatal accidents compared to the same period last year, with speeding attributed to a staggering 48 out of 54 fatalities.
Despite these troubling statistics, the incumbent government’s strategy raises questions about its commitment to ensuring road safety. The government’s recent priorities suggest an overwhelming focus on punitive measures rather than fostering a positive culture of road safety among its citizens. While the Automated Speed Ticketing System has introduced an element of transparency into the process, the glaring oversight is the lack of a proactive educational campaign to inform motorists of safe driving practices. Critics say that the major focus should be on preventing the accidents, not just punishing people when persons are already dead or in the Intensive Unit.
The prevailing narrative paints a picture of an administration that uses stringent measures to boost its image while offering minimal support in terms of community awareness and education on road safety. Instead of merely imposing fines, President Ali should advocate for comprehensive campaigns aimed at modifying driver behaviour, one that not only penalises but also informs and engages citizens in meaningful dialogue about road safety.
Warnings have been issued to motorists clamouring for leniency, as those failing to pay their fines face legal proceedings, with the police prepared to pursue arrest warrants if necessary. The President reiterated that no one is above the law, emphasising that every driver is treated equally under this fully automated system. “Our focus is not punishment, but prevention.” But, analysts wonder about that.
A growing concern among the populace revolves around the apparent inconsistency in the application of these laws. The fact that only 21 driver’s licences have been suspended this year for severe violations raises eyebrows and casts doubt on the strength of enforcement. The alarming reality is that reckless drivers continue to operate with impunity, blatantly flaunting safety regulations that the authorities have been mandated to uphold.
As we brace ourselves for the promised impending crackdown, the broader context of this situation must not be overlooked. Citizens of our nation expect a government that prioritises their safety while equipping law enforcement with more than just penalties. Continuous engagement and education on road safety are paramount if we are to see a substantial decline in traffic-related injuries and deaths.
The time has come for our leaders to demonstrate that road safety is not merely a talking point but a genuine commitment.
