HGP Nightly News – The Guyana Police Force says surveillance from the Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS) has recorded more than 6,500 illegal “third lane” violations along monitored roadways, as traffic ranks intensify efforts to confront a driving practice officials warn is putting lives at risk.
Police explained that an illegal third lane violation occurs when motorists drive on the roadway’s outer edge or shoulder as if it were a legitimate lane of traffic. Authorities say the manoeuvre disrupts traffic flow, encourages dangerous overtaking, and heightens the risk of preventable crashes, particularly on busy corridors where drivers may not anticipate vehicles travelling on the shoulder.
Unlike routine traffic offences that can be handled with an on-the-spot ticket, police said these violations must be prosecuted before a magistrate. Each incident captured by SRIS cameras is reportedly reviewed individually by trained personnel, with footage and supporting details analysed, compiled, and prepared as evidence for court.
So far, the Force said 585 cases have already been heard and processed, leading to fines and, in some matters, suspension of drivers’ licences. Thousands of other violations remain in the system and are currently at various stages of review and prosecution.
In an indication that enforcement is expected to accelerate, police said they are strengthening their prosecutorial capacity to reduce delays and improve the turnaround time for advancing SRIS-related matters through the courts as camera monitoring expands.
Police also outlined how drivers are confronted during the process: once a motorist is located, ranks use electronic tablets to show the recorded footage of the alleged infraction as part of verification and charge preparation before the matter proceeds to court.
The Guyana Police Force is again urging motorists to avoid using shoulders and outer lanes unlawfully, warning that SRIS remains central to national road safety efforts aimed at improving accountability and reducing traffic incidents across the country.
