Authority to set roadblocks

THE Papua New Guinea Road Traffic Authority is set to conduct major roadblocks in the nation’s capital during the festive season to ensure drivers follow safety rules and do not endanger the public, says an official.
Chief executive Nelson Terema told The National that the checks by authority officials would serve to keep the roads safe and minimise the chance of accidents.
“Every year, especially going towards the festive season, we always have a high number of road accidents,” he said.
“We cannot continue to let this happen, that’s why as the responsible authority, we are making it our responsibility to at least get out there and control traffic.”
Terema said the reason for the early announcement was to give vehicle owners and drivers early warning so they could take the necessary action to follow traffic rules, maintain their vehicles and ensure they do not take risks like driving while drunk during the Christmas period.
“The whole idea of this exercise is to minimise accidents and save lives,” he said.
Terema said police will also be part of the operation.
He said the aim was to create a safer environment on the city’s roads during the festive period.
Terema also warned vehicle owners to ensure that their vehicles were in good condition.
“Lately, we have received a lot of reports on road accidents,” he said.