The Guyana Police Force on Monday launched its ‘Respect the Road’ (Slow Down, Drive Cautiously), campaign and Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn said he wanted those obstructing traffic to be clamped.
The campaign was launched at the Police Officer’s Mess Annex, Eve Leary and is expected to be a collaboration with the National Road Safety Council, Impressions Inc., and other agencies. The ‘Respect the Road’ campaign forms part of President Irfaan Ali’s One Guyana Initiative and will seek to educate the populace at all levels on road safety, a release from the police force said.
Benn, at the launch made reference to the lawlessness on the roadways, particularly as it relates to parking and obstruction of traffic in Georgetown.
“I want 300 clamps so that people who are blocking the roads and the lanes in Georgetown should be clamped; we want them clamped and towed,” Benn said. He further addressed enforcement and issues of speeding, drinking and driving while highlighting that more emphasis will be placed on dealing with these particular problems regardless of frivolous complaints. As an example, the release said that he cited former Commander of Region Three, Errol Watts, who led a strict campaign against these offences.
“I remember Commander Watts on the West Coast and West Bank of Demerara, being very strong about speeding and drinking and driving on the road, to the point where people were complaining about Watts breathalyzing them and putting speed guns on them”, he said.
Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, highlighted that, “speeding, driving under the influence, poor driver behaviour, distracted driving, and inadequate road infrastructure are just a few factors contributing to these tragedies.”
Hicken emphasized the need for working together to increase traffic safety. The following worldwide best practices, according to him, must be put into practice. “Firstly, we must have Safe Road Designs by separating vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists from motorized traffic. Because doing so reduces the risk of crashes, injuries, and fatalities among vulnerable road users. Next, we must implement effective Speed Management and Traffic Calming measures such as speed bumps, which can help to reduce vehicle speed, thus reducing the risk of injury if an accident does occur.”
Traffic Law enforcement will continue through an innovative and contemporary approach. The release said that the approach would include educating the public on the importance of the traffic laws through public awareness campaigns and utilizing technology such as speed cameras. This will help reduce the risk of injury due to accidents caused by motorists speeding or breaking other traffic laws, commissioner. It is expected to foster a culture of responsible road use, Hicken explained. The core elements of the campaign will consist of a multi-pronged approach designed to engage citizens of all ages and backgrounds throughout Guyana and are as follows:
1. Branded Road Safety Materials – This will serve as a powerful visual presence to reinforce road safety message. Through billboards, signs, bumper stickers, and other media, streets and roadways will be saturated with reminders to be vigilant, cautious, and respectful on the roads.
2. Social media will be used as a potent tool for spreading awareness and influencing positive behaviour change, hence, social media campaigns will engage citizens through informative content and eye-catching graphics, encouraging everyone to promote road safety by sharing experiences, tips, and best practices in the fight against road accidents.
3. The ‘Respect the Road’ school campaign aims to instill road safety habits from an early age. A designated mascot, ‘Cautious Chris’, will interact with students, making learning about road safety fun and memorable. This mascot will visit schools nationwide, teaching the next generation of road users to be responsible and safety ambassadors.
4. Road Safety Event Campaign – Bringing communities together through outreaches and workshops and fostering a deeper understanding of road safety principles. Workshops will be tailored for various demographics – drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and passengers, the release said.
