Motorists and businesses listed in the recently published speeding list are mandated to either pay their fines in full or identify the drivers of their vehicles at the time of the offenses, according to Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh.
The Guyana Police Force has released a list of motorists who have received tickets but have not yet settled their fines. The list includes multiple businesses and individuals, with some accumulating as many as 77 unpaid tickets, totaling over $500,000.
Singh clarified that vehicle owners are responsible for fines even if someone else was driving at the time of the offense. “The law was constructed and amended so that the owner is first liable. Upon appearing in court, the owner must identify who was driving at the time,” he stated.
That individual will then become a co-defendant, with legal proceedings following. Singh emphasized that complying with the law is critical, warning that fines must be paid in full. “This is not one of those places where you get a layaway plan… When John [not his real name] was committing the offense, he was driving as he liked, so now you’ve got to pay. You have to pay all at once,” he said.
To ensure that offenders are notified, motorists who exceed speed limits are alerted via SMS or email. Those without registered digital contacts receive physical tickets sent to their registered addresses, ensuring proper notification.
Singh noted that offenders are given a 14-day window to settle their fines. He mentioned that Magistrates have access to a portal that shows the number of cases filed on a daily basis.
In an effort to promote compliance, traffic authorities have made multiple attempts to reach motorists, including sending notices up to three times via postal services to their homes. “There is no shame associated,” Singh remarked, highlighting that the publication of the list aims to encourage timely payment and adherence to traffic regulations.
