In the wake of recent upgrades to the Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS), more than 45 drivers are expected to face court proceedings for the illegal creation and use of an unauthorized “third lane.” Traffic Chief Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh made this announcement during a telephone interview, highlighting the intensifying enforcement against this dangerous driving practice.
Under the enhanced SRIS, illegal third-lane driving is now automatically detected and flagged by speed cameras. This initiative, a collaboration between the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), aims to curb a longstanding issue that has posed significant risks on the road. The upgraded system employs advanced video-analytics technology to identify vehicles using turning or inner lanes as shortcuts to bypass traffic, documenting each violation with high-definition video evidence, which includes the vehicle’s speed, lane position, and license plate number.
Motorists have long voiced concerns about drivers forming unauthorized third lanes, particularly during peak traffic hours, a behavior that leads to accidents and congestion. The new detection feature is designed to provide credible and consistent evidence for enforcement.
Currently, the SRIS monitors traffic across more than 100 lanes nationwide, with plans for further expansion. By automating the detection process, the GPF can enforce lane discipline without needing officers at every intersection.
“In terms of figures, I can tell you that more than 45 drivers will be before the court after all the procedural steps are completed. Those drivers are expected to appear before the court between now and Tuesday,” Singh reported. He noted that several minibus operators are among those caught in this crackdown, mentioning that over 10 minibus drivers had already been processed at Traffic Headquarters following their identification.
Singh outlined that a structured process is followed once violations are detected, and he confirmed that a full public disclosure will occur once drivers appear in court. He urged motorists to exercise greater caution on the nation’s roadways, emphasizing that reckless driving endangers not only others but also the drivers themselves.
The penalties for creating an illegal third lane fall under dangerous-driving offenses and may incur fines of up to $200,000, depending on the severity of the violation. Singh reiterated that the Minister’s statements were meant to reassure the public that law enforcement agencies are actively addressing traffic safety concerns and that technological advancements are enhancing the GPF’s enforcement capabilities.
