NCD cracks down on traffic hazards

THE division of land transport of the Transport Department and the National Capital District traffic office have began a crackdown operation on traffic hazards in the city by seizing unregistered and not road worthy public motor vehicles (PMVs) in an attempt to minimise  deaths from road accidents and reduce hazards to traffic flow in the city.
Officer-in-charge of NCD traffic Chief Insp Michael Kanguma and operations manager for land transport division Herman Wakia said the combined effort by both parties was in line with NCD Governor Powes Parkop’s vision to improve the image of traffic in the city and ensure public safety when travelling on public motor vehicles.
“We have begun our operations in putting people’s safety first by impounding PMV buses and cabs in the city that are unregistered and road worthy or look like they belong in a junk-yard,” Mr Kanguma said.
He said they had seized more than 20 vehicles since the start of operations last Dec 17.
The operation involves laying charges on PMV and taxi operators whose vehicles have been seized and have listed more than one offence on the traffic infringements notices.
 “PMVs that have smashed windscreens, no plate numbers and breaklights or tail lights not working but still carrying passengers around the city will be seized and brought to the land transport division yard at Gordon where a mechanic will inspect them and determine the condition,” Mr Wakia said, adding that they will no longer be collecting spot fines from operators as this would be converted to charges.
“Drivers will be charged and vehicles impounded and brought to Gordon.
“Once the charges are completed, the offenders will be brought before Traffic Court which will then decide the outcome,” he added, saying some of the operators were ignoring traffic rules and endangering people’s lives by illegally operating PMV buses that were not roadworthy.
“We want the safety of travellers to be recommended and change the image of traffic by taking on a tougher stand on drivers, who are causing traffic hazards in the city,” Mr Wakia said.
“The operations, is done collectively under the theme: ‘Safety first 2009-2010’ and to ensure we reach the governor’s vision to make this year a year of transformation for NCD and set an example for other provinces,” Mr Kanguma said.