Age limit put on cars from Japan

National

BY JASON DOM
JAPANESE used vehicle dealers must not import used vehicles older than five years to Papua New Guinea, says Road Traffic Authority (RTA) acting registration and license manager Wariaka Wilson.
He said this at the Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC) workshop in Port Moresby yesterday.
“We have been facing a lot of accidents happening in the past because of faulty vehicles,” Wilson said.
“Some are broken down on runways causing traffic congestion and long hours of delay because of its condition.”
“Road Traffic Authority will work closely with the National Capital District PMV and Taxi Association so that proper inspections are carried out on unworthy vehicles to improve safety, security and convenience.”
Wilson said there must be standards set for used vehicles imported from Japan.
On another matter, he said a lot of situations involving motorists in Port Moresby were because of lack of law-enforcement.
Wilson said there was no control of the Public Motor Vehicle buses with non-completion of routes, charging more than regulated fares and operating without licenses, among others.
“We have approved 60 buses to operate in the city while the others are illegally operating,” he said.
Wilson said a study by UN Women had revealed that 97 per cent of women felt unsafe while using public transport (PMV)within the city.
“That is embarrassing,” he said.
“ It’s a big task and we are addressing it slowly.
“We will work closely with our regulatory authorities to develop a well-integrated, safe, affordable, inclusive, financially and environmentally-sustainable public transport system in the next five years.”