Officers urged to be fair

The National Transport PNG

By Serah Lagdom
Police officers are warned not to extort money from motorists.
Traffic Police Road Safety Unit, Inspector James Leoleo said other officers who is not are traffic does not have the right to charge motorists.
Leoleo was responding to concerns raised by PMV owners on whether other officers has the right to charge motorists.
He said other officers should only use their discretion to warn and make know to the motorist the nature of the problem and what measures would be taken if he does not fix the problem.
“Traffic officers are mandated by law to either warn, or issue a traffic infringement notice (TIN) on public streets.
“During a road block a public collector of funds (a police officer) is the only person allowed to collect money upon issuing a receipt” he said.
He urged Public Motor Vehicle owners to make it their responsibility and make sure that their vehicles was road worthy to avoid being stopped by traffic officers.
He said road safety is a major concern due to an increase in road accidents thus vehicles owners must make it their business have their vehicles serviced and in good conditions before using public roads.
“Owners must make sure that their vehicles were registered, have safety stickers and special PMV permits before going out on public roads.”
He said owners also has the responsibility to service the vehicle and check the following;

  • Tyres
  • Lights
  • Brakes
  • Seats in good conditions

He said as of June 1st, the Police Motor Traffic Act would no longer be effective as the new Road Traffic Act would replace it. Thus fees and fines would increase tremendously.
“Overloading was charged K30 now it will increase to approximately K100. Under the new RTA law on overloading.”
“The fees for all offences will increase under the new RTA act. Compared to the old motor traffic laws which were more lenient. Defect tyres, speeding, drink driving, unlicensed driver and parking at the wrong side,” he said.