Mark Titus, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

A multi-agency approach is to be introduced to address the expected increase in road traffic accidents over the remainder of the year, says Senior Superintendent Ealan Powell, head of the Police Traffic Department.

"As we speak, the traffic department will be convening a meeting by next week, with all the agencies involved to strategise our approach during the yuletide season and beyond," SSP Powell said.

According to SSP Powell, the police are also concerned about the continuous practice of overloading public passenger vehicles.

Sensitising passengers

"We have intensified our operations and have been working overtime to sensitise both the vehicle operators and the passengers to the dangers of this practice," the officer explained. "Each time that we stop a passenger vehicle and prosecute an offender, we remove the excess passengers because we want them to realise that they have a role to play in saving lives. But they continue to endanger their own lives."

SSP Powell said he was aware of corruption allegations against the traffic police, but stressed that it is the duty of citizens to come forward with information.

Evidence needed

"The response from our citizens is great, but there must be evidence to substantiate a case," he added.

"We must also consider that there are police officers who are dedicated to their jobs, and there might be persons who are acting maliciously, therefore enough evidence must be presented."

SSP Powell continued: "No action is carried out arbitrarily when I receive a report about an officer under my command. But if over a period of time reports are consistently being made, even if they are mere allegations, I will notify the officer in question of the allegations and take whatever action is necessary to protect the integrity of the force."