In light of recent road fatalities that have resulted from the actions of reckless minibus operators, the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC) is advocating for a doubling of the fine attached to the offence of driving under the influence.
This was indicated by Senior Superintendent (Ret’d) Owen Trotz at the launch of Road Safety Month 2019 on Monday, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported.
This year’s Road Safety Month is being celebrate under the theme, “Making Roads Safer for Everyone”.
The DPI release related that the GNRSC sent a report to the Traffic Advisory meeting, including recommendations for legislation to be instituted on upgrading the fines that are currently in place. The meeting is chaired by the Commissioner of Police.
“The first offence is $7500, we want it to be doubled. We are saying for the 2nd offence their license should be suspended and a small jail term [be added], and for the 3rd offence, their licence should be suspended forever and jail term [be imposed],” Trotz said.
Additionally, it was noted that Public Relations Officer of GNRSC, Eon Andrews, called for a review of the provisions for acquiring licences for those that operate public transportation, while noting that an examination of an applicant’s age or years of driving experiences may be necessary to combat reckless driving.
Andrews, who DPI said “took a strong position on the consequences errant drivers should assume” in order to combat the scourge of dangerous driving, opined that if a driver racks up three road violations in the space of six months, they should have their licence suspended.
He also expressed that it is important that the owners of buses also be found culpable and noted that some are guilty of rehiring ““recalcitrant drivers”.
The release noted that Chairman of GNRSC, Earl Lambert and coordinator, Romona Doorgen were also in attendance at the press conference.
