With growing concerns over road safety, deaths caused by speeding, and traffic violations, Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh says his department is working to ensure safety.
Speaking on the latest episode of “Safeguarding Our Nation”, which aired earlier today, Singh disclosed that 139,000 drivers were charged for traffic violations in 2024.
Last year, 117 fatal accidents were recorded by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Traffic Department, which resulted in 132 deaths, while this year has already seen 63 fatal accidents, resulting in 68 deaths.
“This is a genuine concern for us at the traffic department, because one life lost on the road is one too many. Younger folks continue to speed and when accidents occur young people also lose their lives. Our enforcement postures have taken into consideration what prevails…we’ve yielded through our efforts 139,000 plus cases in 2024. In 2025 so far, we’ve recorded 89,506 cases for all offences,” Singh disclosed.
Singh also noted that lorries have been major violators on the roadways, as he shared strategies which are in place to remedy the situation.
“Motor lorries have been consistently flagged with the offences of speeding. Motor lorry drivers also pose a significant threat by their unsafe behaviour to rural and urban road users. Noting this, we have partnered with the Ministry of Public Works to establish weight stations,” he said.
Singh outlined that soon there will be the introduction of speed limit devices, which will be installed on lorries, and multiple police outposts are being established in high-volume traffic areas.
He added that minibuses also pose a challenge as it relates to speeding violations, overloading, and loud music; hence, the traffic department’s enforcement posture caters specifically to these offences.
“We engage the drivers, the owners and the passengers for important feedback on the process, and we’ve tightened the entire process of obtaining certificates of fitness and the road service licence which they require to operate,” he said.
According to data, of the 117 fatal accidents in 2024, eight involved minibuses, but of the 63 so far, only one has.
Singh said the significant advancement in the use of speed traffic cameras, automated e-ticketing systems, and surveillance cameras with the recent implementation of the Safe Road Intelligence System has since resulted in the issuance of over 4,000 e-speeding tickets.
He noted that the speed cameras are now being implemented in spaces across the country to ensure greater scope for monitoring, enforcement, and clearer control, as calls are being made for stricter enforcement.
Singh added that dedicated television and radio programmes continue to spread the word about road safety, as he also urged parents to have continuous discussions with their children about road safety.
