Transport companies risk losing licences

Public transport companies identified as most prone to road accidents will have their licences revoked. The decision was reached during a meeting that brought together public transport companies and Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency (RURA) among other stakeholders. It was chaired by the Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel Gasana, “We have held a series of sensitisation campaigns against violation of traffic regulations to prevent road accidents and now, we shall enforce the law,” Gasana underlined. According to the police boss, apart from losing their operating licences, drivers of such companies would have their driving permits revoked. He pointed out that 60 percent of accidents are caused by reckless driving, adding that strict measures will also be taken against such drivers, especially public transport firms. Drivers who often commit same traffic offences will be fined basing on the crime committed and have their driving licences confiscated with a possibility of never driving a public transport vehicle. During the meeting, a documentary was screened showing the major causes of accidents, which include overloading, drunk driving, driving while speaking on a phone, over speeding and driving without a licence, among others. Motorcyclists (Taxi-motos) were also warned against violating traffic regulations. “Over and again, we have told you that it’s illegal to carry more than one person. But you have not respected this rule,” Gasana cautioned representatives of taxi-moto operators at the meeting. The Director General of Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency (RURA), Regis Gatarayiha, noted that some road accidents are not a result of ignorance of the law, but rather deliberate violation. “We give you the right to operate, but you must not forget that there are also some obligations you have to abide by in order to carry out your duties in a systematic way,” he observed. Representatives from various transport companies promised to cooperate with authorities in the campaign. “We are going to closely monitor our staff, especially drivers, as this will help us determine and prevent accidents,” Dodo Twahirwa, Chairman of Rwanda Federation of Transport Cooperative (RFTC) pledged. grace.mugoya@newtimes.co.rw

National

Transport companies risk losing licences