1,184 fines handed out in March

The Tarffic Control Team of the Police Force Suriname (KPS) listed 1,184 fins in March 2017. Statistics indicate that most of the perpetrators, 562, were given a fine for exceeding the speed limit.

District Attorney Bibian Tjin Liep Shie told Times of Suriname that the safety of drivers, passengers and other road users must always be given priority. The DA explained that exceeding the speed limit because one is late for an appointment could never be a valid reason for breaking the law. “Despite all the information campaigns, there are still many traffic accidents with serious injuries and which often claim lives,” said Tjin Liep Shie. Inspector Lloyd Tolud, head of the VHT, pointed out that 420 people were fined for not wearing a seatbelt. 288 people had failed to have their vehicle inspected while 106 people drove a car that had not been insured. 116 people did not have a driver’s license and 39 drivers were caught using their mobile phone while driving. 5 people had the wrong driver’s license and 12 people drove a car with tainted windows. 58 driver’s licenses were revoked after the drivers were caught speeding and 72 people were caught driving recklessly. “Drivers speed towards the traffic lights even though there is a red light. What is the sense of that? People must come to realize that macho driving manners could have several consequences. Buses, taxis and other cars ride on bicycle paths because they are in a hurry. That is very dangerous for the passengers as well as pedestrians. Passengers let your voices be heard when the driver is driving recklessly,” said Tolud.