The City of Kigali has imposed a ban on unnecessary hooting of vehicles within the Kigali city centre and its outskirts which they say inconveniences the public.

The City Mayor, Fidele Ndayisaba made the announcement yesterday while meeting the heads of the transporters’ associations in the country at the institution’s premises to discuss ways of improving the city’s transport environment.

"We want a city that is organised where people are not inconvenienced by the hooting of cars, motorcycles and bicycles that is uncalled off,” he said.

Ndayisaba added that those caught in the offence would face fines ranging from Rwf 10,000 to Rwf 100,000.

He further cautioned touts who fight for passengers and those who drive dirty as well as old automobiles in the city centre to shun the practice.

"We want the city to be accessible, where people enjoy a conducive atmosphere,” he noted.

The Mayor further prohibited vehicles that emit smoke and noxious gases within the city centre, saying their owners would be penalised by paying a fine ranging from Rwf 10,000 to 50,000.

"These policies are contained in the organic law 04/2005 of 08/04/2005 determining the modalities of protection, conservation and promotion of environment in Rwanda,” he asserted.

During the dialogue, Ndayisaba highlighted major changes in Kigali City that have reduced traffic jams.

Charles Ngarambe, the chairman of Kigali Bus Services welcomed the move saying that the policies would save people from noise pollution.

"We want our city to be clean with a peaceful environment where people will be able to carry out their businesses without any disturbance,” he added.

According to Chief Superintendent Vincent Sano, the Traffic Police Commander, unnecessary hooting in public is so stressful and inconveniencing to the people.

Venuste Gahamanyi, President of the Rwanda Taxi Motorcyclists Association, said that they would implement the policies and ensure that their members who violate the law are penalised.

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