Dear Editor,
The traffic ranks in Berbice are on a rampage—a road rampage, to find any and every fault on motorists’ vehicles; even invent new laws. I was stopped by two ranks along the Esplanade Road a few days ago. Several other vehicles were stopped. These guys started to examine my vehicle. I knew they were looking for faults, and would waste no time in finding one. And they did. They related to me that my number plates were faulty, and that the italic font for the numbers was unacceptable. I told them that I purchased the vehicle like that from the company complete with the number plates which were made at no cost to me, as if that would make a difference to these guys. They related to me that italic writing makes it difficult to see number plates on the roadways. I responded that my eyes can see italic writing on the roadways.
They also found fault with the material on which the plates were printed. They said that they would have to impound my vehicle at the Central Police Station compound, located adjacent to the Traffic Section. A whole host of other vehicles, too, were impounded for various ‘offences.’ I was disgusted to say the least. Upon arrival at the station, I became very vocal and related to the Licensing Officer that I purchased the vehicle like that from the dealer and had no idea that it was unlawful to have italic writing on the number plates.
I asked him the million dollar question: how and why was a fitness certificate for my vehicle issued in July, 2012 with the ‘errant’ number plates? Who examined and passed the vehicle? Why was a red flag not raised then? Then one of the officers told me it was a new law, passed after that date. What new law? When?
I demanded leniency from the Licensing Officer since I was not at fault. Then they wanted to revoke the fitness but decided not to after they could not find some sort of ledger. They then gave me a warning, made me sign in the warning book and asked that I correct the number plate issue.
What an unfortunate incident. I wasted over an hour that day; over an hour on something that was highly uncalled for. The way these police officers behave on the roadways is uncalled for. I understand they have their jobs to do like anyone else; however, I want to believe they want to make life difficult for people, especially motorists. I especially feel bad for the minibus drivers and hire car operators who are plying our roads on a daily basis, trying to make their daily bread. These police officers find all sorts of faults with people’s vehicles—from soft tires, to tinting, to writing on the vehicle—every little thing! I have seen how they harass some drivers, and these poor drivers do not know their rights—that they can talk and argue their points!
I did not know of any new law prohibiting italic writing on number plates. I believe the police should hold public-sensitization programmes to educate drivers and the public out there about the ‘new laws’ and other regulations concerning vehicles—what is and what is not allowed, so that there can be a consensus on these things; so that drivers would not be pulled over unnecessarily, especially when they are often ignorant of these regulations.
The very same day, I saw one of their own—a Community Policing Group vehicle—with italic number plates (photo supplied). These are the double standards on which the police operate.
Also, there are no speed limit signs on many of the Berbice roads, so how can motorists know when one speed limit begins and when the other ends? Perish the thought that out-of-town drivers or visitors who are driving on our roads cannot know the speed limits, but the police are always out there with their radar guns pointed at some driver.
This unprofessional behaviour from the traffic ranks ought to cease immediately. They must get their act together before they expect motorists and vehicle owners to do the same.
Yours faithfully,
Leon Suseran
