Motorists warned

 By GYNNIE KERO 
THE Road Transport Authority will work with the National Capital District Commission to enforce traffic rules on illegal parking in Port Moresby.
The authority’s acting chief executive officer Nelson Terema told The National yesterday that Parliament was expected to repeal the old legislations in its next sitting.
This will allow them to address issues such as parking on footpaths or on traffic islands, the importing of used cars and licencing of vehicles.
City manager Leslie Alu had last month warned motorists not to park on newly-paved footpaths, traffic islands or to double-park. Offenders will be fined or have their vehicles impounded.
Under the new Road Traffic Authority Act, Terema said parking along roadsides and on footpaths was illegal. It also increases the risk of accidents.
“The existing National Road Safety Council Act, Land Transport Board Act, Land Transport Division, Heavy Vehicle Licensing, Motor Traffic Act – all these existing Acts will be repealed,” he said.
“People should not park anywhere they feel like. Once the RTA Act comes into effect, we will be able to control the influx of used vehicles. They have to meet our requirements or standards.
“At the moment there is nothing to stop people who are using the internet to buy and bring in any vehicle they like. Also, we don’t really have exact figures on number of vehicles coming in a month etc,” he said.
“We don’t know what vehicles go to different sectors like mining, logging, oil palm. But that new law will help guide us. This legislation will help control vehicle licensing, parking, vehicle types coming into PNG.
“Even illegal operators, unworthy PMV and taxies will be dealt with under this Act.”