By Sharda Bacchus
In a strong call to curb the rising misuse of sirens and flashing lights, President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Thursday demanded the immediate removal of these devices from unauthorized vehicles.
The President’s message, aimed at addressing the growing abuse of these emergency tools, comes amid increasing reports of civilians using sirens to bypass traffic.
“If you have sirens and emergency lights illegally on your vehicle, I am asking you to remove them immediately. We are seeing tremendous abuse,” President Ali stated during a live broadcast.
His message was clear—those using unauthorized lights must take action without delay.
The President, who also serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, made this announcement in the presence of top law enforcement officials, including Acting Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken.
They were gathered to address the reckless use of roadways and the growing concerns over traffic violations.
In response to the escalating issue, President Ali revealed that he has already engaged with Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, about amending laws to introduce fines and the suspension of drivers’ licenses for those caught using unauthorized lights.
The government is also targeting the root of the problem, with the President confirming that security companies installing such equipment, as well as retailers selling them, will be closely monitored.
“To ensure the law is fully enforced, the security companies—especially those authorized to use such lights—will face strict penalties if they are found abusing them. Their licenses may be revoked, and the equipment will be seized,” President Ali emphasized.
Under current law, only the Police Force, Fire Service, and ambulances are permitted to use sirens and flashing lights. However, unauthorized civilians—especially private vehicle owners—have been installing these emergency devices, often using them to speed through traffic.
President Ali’s remarks came shortly after a stern warning from the Guyana Police Force, urging civilian vehicle owners to immediately remove unauthorized sirens and flashing lights. Failing to do so, officials stated, will result in severe penalties.
“Private owners of vehicles, especially SUVs, are outfitting their cars with sirens and emergency flashing lights when they are not authorized to do so. We encourage you to remove them and comply with the laws, for we will remove them when we encounter you, and/or if it is reported to us or observed by our ranks on the roads,” warned Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh.
The call to action was further reinforced by Acting Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken, who made it clear that the misuse of police sirens and lights would no longer be tolerated.
“The use of police sirens and the lights, that is a no-no. Fire Service and Police, only these two entities. So we will be coming straight ahead in that regard. So you better start stripping because if you are held, there will be consequences,” Hicken warned.
In response to the ongoing issue, Deputy Commissioner (ag) ‘Operations’ Errol Watts confirmed that the police would be ramping up enforcement. “We are taking this very seriously, and our regional commanders and traffic officers will ensure that the laws are enforced without compromise,” Watts said.
This crackdown is not a new initiative. In November 2022, President Ali had already instructed Police Commissioner Hicken to tighten controls on the illegal use of blue and red lights, extending the directive to government agencies, public officials, and security companies that were found abusing these devices.
As the government gears up to take decisive action, drivers and security companies are being warned: the era of reckless use of emergency lights is over.
“If you are using unauthorized lights, start stripping them off now, or be prepared to face the consequences,” President Ali echoed in his message to the nation.
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