Division to get tough on PMV operators

 THE Land Transport Division is carrying out major vehicle inspection operation in the National Capital District.

Enforcement operation manager Herman Wakia told The National yesterday that the division would monitor public motor vehicles in all three electorates of the NCD. 

“We have recruited employees but we don’t have funds to pay them and also we don’t have tow trucks to rid vehicles off the road when drivers disobey simple road rules,” he said. 

“In the meantime with what we have, we are planning to take action with pressure from the Pacific Games committee in preparation for the 2015 Pacific games. 

“We have been urged in a recent meeting with the committee to get rid of those engaged in illegal operations.   

“We are planning to amend the law to increase the penalty for the offence from K60 to K1,000 spot fine because operators take advantage of the small amount and continue to disobey the law.” 

Meanwhile, the National Capital District PMV Owners and Operators Association will be meeting to address certain issues.

The meeting will be held at 2pm on May 12 at the Unagi Oval in Gordon. 

Waso said the meeting would address issues such as buses not completing routes, over-charging of bus fares, illegal transportation of passengers, plus problems faced by operators.   

“The standard bus fare approved by law is 80 toea and not K1 or K2. Students with uniforms should pay 50 toea and priority should be given to them,” he said. 

“A good number of PMVs are operating without licence in the city which is not fair because they are cheating the genuine operators.”