Georgetown’s roads remain under immense strain, with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) reporting an average of 90 to 100 traffic cases daily in Region 4 alone. The figure underscores a persistent culture of lawlessness on the capital’s streets, even as officers intensify enforcement and roll out new technology to keep motorists in line.
Just last week, police recorded 2,300 traffic-related cases in Region 4, underscoring the significant scale of violations occurring. From reckless overtaking to expired licenses and drivers ignoring roundabout rules, the city’s roadways are a minefield of infractions that fuel congestion and heighten the risk of accidents.
Superintendent Ron Clark, Traffic Officer for Regional Division 4A, admitted Georgetown is a relentless challenge. “There’s no rest for this region. The ranks you see in the morning are there at midday and again in the evening. Our officers are constantly deployed at critical intersections to direct traffic, clear obstructions, and respond to violations,” he explained.
The GPF has shifted from a reactive to a more responsive strategy, aided by CCTV cameras under the Smart Country programme and body-worn cameras that capture real-time evidence of traffic offences. This technology, noted Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh, is making enforcement more effective and prosecutions more successful.
Still, Singh was blunt in his assessment: “Accidents don’t just happen—they are caused. Too many drivers continue to operate with total disregard for the laws. If motorists followed the rules, we would see fewer delays, less congestion, and safer roads for everyone.”
While enforcement is tightening, officers acknowledged that lasting change requires public cooperation. Repeat offenders continue to be a troubling trend, with some drivers appearing before the courts multiple times in a single week. Magistrates have the power to suspend or revoke licenses in such cases, but convictions are essential for such penalties to stick
