Dozens of third-lane cases already before courts — Traffic Chief confirms

More than 70 cases of third-lane driving breaches generated through the speed cameras monitoring system are already before the courts, with authorities confident the matters will be difficult for offenders to challenge.

During an interview with the News Room on Wednesday, Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh disclosed that approximately 45 cases have been filed in the East Coast magisterial district, while another 33 matters are before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Singh said the cases stem from traffic violations captured by automated cameras now operating in key corridors, including central Georgetown, the East Bank of Demerara and sections of the East Coast.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF), in partnership with the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) earlier this month introduced the new enforcement capability under the Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS) that automatically detects and flags illegal third-lane driving.

This has been a dangerous practice that long contributed to congestion and public frustration across the country’s roadways.

According to the Traffic Chief, the strength of the evidence gathered through the system makes the matters effectively “incontestable” once they reach court.

“Persons who are culpable would have been summoned, properly informed and are fully aware of the offences committed.

“Proper evidence is there, not only video footage, but also photographic imagery,” Singh said.

He stressed that the comprehensive nature of the evidence package removes the discretionary flexibility drivers may have relied on in the past.

“When this goes to court, we are going to make it not hard, but incontestable,” Singh added.

Singh noted that enforcement efforts are being intensified, particularly against public transportation operators and signaled that the Police staffing component dedicated to manage this particular issue will grow over time.