Council backs night driving ban

 BY BENNY GETENG

THE National Road Safety Council supports the recent directive by the Superintendent of Motor Traffic to restrict public motor vehicles (PMV) from operating at night.

Executive director Nelson Terema said this in response to a protest by PMV operators and drivers in Lae last week against the government ban.

“The directive has been given and it is now for the drivers and operators of PMVs to comply accordingly,” he said.

“My instructions are clear and precise that we will not stop conducting road blocks along the (Highlands) highway to check up on those not heeding the directive and those that are caught may have their route 100 licences removed.

“The safety of the travelling passengers is paramount because some of these drivers do not get a good night’s sleep and therefore pose a big risk of accidents that might occur.” 

“A lot of these drivers don’t get sufficient rest with sleepless nights on the road and if they fall asleep while on the wheel, road accidents in the night can be a result of that and very fatal.” 

“Just this year we had the nastiest of road accidents in Baiyer, Western Highlands province and the same kind of situation must not be repeated. Drivers are allowed to drive only for eight hours and during day time.”

Terema said a team of road safety officers were in Lae to enforce the directive and he urged other provinces with road links to the Highlands Highway to carry out similar measures.

“I am appealing to all other enforcing agents including the police Highway patrol and police traffic officers in all highlands provinces and Madang province that they should conduct the same road checks to stop those operating against the directive at night,” he said.