Traffic Chief Urges Crackdown on Unauthorized Use of Sirens and Flashing Lights

Traffic Chief Urges Crackdown on Unauthorized Use of Sirens and Flashing Lights
Traffic congestion, especially during rush hours, remains a significant inconvenience for many citizens. To circumvent this, some individuals have resorted to installing sirens and flashing lights on their vehicles. However, Traffic Chief (ag) Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh emphasizes that this practice is illegal and can lead to charges if caught. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) does not have the authority to grant permission for such modifications.
“The law is very clear. It’s either fire, the police, or the ambulance, ” Singh stated in a recent interview with News Room. Guyana's laws restrict the use of sirens and flashing lights to the Police Force, Fire Service, and ambulances. Despite this, unauthorized individuals have been purchasing and using these devices to bypass traffic.
The GPF has taken measures to address this issue, including several public sensitization sessions. Offenders have been brought before the courts, and the illegal equipment has been seized. Singh noted that when someone is found with these devices, they are required to remove them, and their vehicle fitness can be revoked for breaching conditions. Non-compliance leads to court charges.
In November 2022, President Dr. Irfaan Ali instructed Police Commissioner (ag) Clifton Hicken to enforce a crackdown on the unauthorized use of blue and red lights and sirens. This directive extended to government agencies, public officials, and security companies that have misused these devices. Additionally, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn announced in February last year that laws would be amended to exempt diplomats and senior government officials from these restrictions.
Despite these efforts, the installation of sirens and flashing lights on private vehicles persists. Singh highlighted the need for closer collaboration with importers of these devices to curb their unauthorized use. He questioned how such equipment passes through ports of entry without intervention from the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Guyana Bureau of Standards.
“There is no way those things can come into the country without Customs not recognizing it or coming into contact with it. It is impossible, ” Singh said. He stressed that warnings are no longer sufficient and that the police must take more decisive action. This includes stopping, detaining, and initiating court proceedings against violators.
“These things have to do with the behaviors and attitudes of members of the public…Your vehicle is your private vehicle as a citizen of the country. You cannot install the equipment or have it installed when your vehicle is not an emergency vehicle, ” Singh reiterated. Join this channel to get access to perks:
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