Fifty persons have already been charged for offences related to derelict vehicles. Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill warned that even tougher enforcement lies ahead as the ministry intensifies its efforts to remove obstructions from public roads.

The minister disclosed that in addition to those charged, approximately 150 persons voluntarily removed derelict vehicles and other encumbrances after receiving warnings.

However, he stressed that authorities are now moving beyond warnings and will pursue legal action against individuals who continue to illegally dump or store derelict vehicles along roadways and public reserves.

“The Ministry has been very aggressive as it relates to the removal of derelicts. But we are also overwhelmed by the volume and the repeat offenders. I want to highlight for the nation to understand that we are not taking a soft approach on this matter. Today, notice is being given. You dump derelict vehicles. We will investigate who did it, who are the owners, and you will face the courts,” he said.

The Minister said the Guyana Police Force remains a key partner in the enforcement exercise, noting that investigations will continue to identify persons responsible for illegally occupying public spaces. He warned that repeat offenders will be prosecuted, declaring that anyone who continues to violate the law after today’s public notice can expect to face the courts.

“Citizens know that we have cleared the Sheriff area there, the railway embankment behind Sheriff Street from David Street going all the way back down to Middleton Street. We’ve done that four times.In one instance, we’ve had to be strong-armored, myself had to go out there and lift trucks and move them away. It is disrespectful and downright obnoxious, having done that four times, to go in that thoroughfare again and to see derelict vehicles being dumped there,” he stressed.

The Minister also announced that 400 wheel clamps have arrived in Guyana and will be deployed to strengthen enforcement against overloaded trucks, illegally parked heavy-duty vehicles and other road users found in breach of the law. Offending vehicles will be clamped, removed where necessary, and released only after owners satisfy all legal requirements and reimburse the State for the associated costs.