In the last six months, the City of Kigali witnessed over 890 road accidents involving motorbikes, according to Rwanda National Police.

These accidents, primarily attributed to driving under the influence of alcohol, have raised concerns about road safety in the city, according to the Police.

Adding to the issue, over 1,100 motorbikes have been confiscated by police due to various violations, including attempts to obscure license plates and other rule-breaking behaviours.

At a meeting with motorcyclists on Wednesday, September 4, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, Vincent Sano, urged motorists to adhere to traffic rules in order to avoid road accidents.

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One of the key concerns highlighted by Sano was the increasing disregard for traffic signals by motorists, particularly the tendency to ignore red lights and use pedestrian pathways as shortcuts.

The Police also highlighted that most of the motorbikes that have been impounded were engaged in repeated traffic violations.

"Many of these taxi motorbikes are caught with substantial unpaid fines due to their continuous rule-breaking,” Sano said.

He advised the operators to avoid pitfalls in order to secure their financial development.

The officer also issued a stern warning to those operating without valid licences, stressing that driving without proper documentation not only increases the risk of accidents but also leads to severe legal consequences.

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"Now, everyone can easily access the code for their driving license test, and we&039;ve simplified the process for everyone. However, some of you still choose to hit the road without the necessary skills, creating additional problems for those who are already driving,” he said.

Motorbike owners were also reminded of the importance of retrieving their impounded vehicles within the designated time frame before they are put up for auction if the necessary fines and requirements are not cleared.

Motorbike taxi operators, who are say that they are essential to the city’s transportation network, are encouraged to play their part in ensuring safer roads for everyone.