Tackling chaos on city roads

AT long last, the Transport Department is taking the chaos on Port Moresby’s roads and streets seriously.
The department will soon overhaul the public transport system and place it under the control of a new Road Traffic Authority (RTA).
Transport Secretary Roy Mumu explained that the current public transport system was outdated and could not cope with the rapid growth and expansion in capital city, which had also resulted in the increase in the number of illegal PMV buses and taxis.
Mumu assured city residents that these illegal operations would come to an end with the establishment of the RTA.
We understand that among the options being considered to replace the current privately-owned PMVs is the establishment of a state-owned bus company that will operate throughout the city.
While the new authority will focus on improving the public transport system, the National Capital District Commission, Police and other stakeholders are expected ensure that the roads are safe and less hazardous.
Undoubtedly, Port Moresby’s roads and streets are currently very dangerous places to be. People risk life and limb when crossing the roads, even at pedestrian crossings, due to reckless drivers and road unworthy vehicles.
Traffic road signs are virtually non-existent, which have resulted in many accidents, congestion and infringements.
PMV buses continue to defy regulations by making dangerous U-turns in places where they are not supposed to be turning and vehicles are being parked at unauthorised locations or even on the pavements in public venues.
We have warned previously that the illegal and dangerous practice of motorists running the red lights at traffic light intersections has become rampant in Port Moresby.
The main culprits used to be the reckless PMV drivers who have now been joined by other senseless motorists who realise there is nothing to stop them from running the red lights and breaking other traffic rules.
There is no police presence at traffic light locations and there are no police cameras to detect them.
As far as these “cowboys” are concerned, they own the city roads and nobody can stop them and their dangerous habits.
Traffic lights were invented to control the flow of traffic and pedestrians to improve safety and access to roads in large towns and cities.
Sensible motorists drive at speeds that give them time to react if the traffic lights change.
In other countries such as Australia, road safety is of paramount importance and the infringement of traffic laws, including traffic light regulations, draws heavy penalties.
For example, in Australia if you disobey a red or yellow traffic light, you may receive an infringement notice from the police. If you disobey a red traffic light, you may be sent a camera detected offence notice.
You can face up to 12 months suspension from driving on the first offence and if caught a second time you are likely to lose your driver’s licence.
That doesn’t happen in Papua New Guinea because we don’t take road safety seriously.
With the influx of vehicles into the capital city over the past few years, traffic jams have become a way of life for motorists with long queues at traffic light intersections.
Those drivers who constantly run the red lights because they believe nothing can stop them will sooner or later face the reality of a nasty accident. They must be stopped before they injure or kill themselves and other innocent road users. Road safety and the adherence of traffic laws must become a top priority for the police and other relevant government agencies.
It is imperative that spot cameras are installed with police presence at traffic light intersections to detect and apprehend offenders.
It is a matter of life and death that these measures are implemented immediately.
As well, the introduction of alcohol breath-testing for drivers must not be further delayed.
The NCD is full of drunken drivers who also think they are the kings of the road when they are intoxicated. They too must be halted in their tracks as they are a menace to our society.
It is envisaged that the RTA, NCDC and other stakeholders will work together to end the current chaos on the city roads and ensure the safety of road-users.