Motor cycle taxi operators have asked police to be more accommodating on matters of compliance to traffic laws before they impound their motorcycles.At a meeting on Thursday with police and the city of Kigali authorities, which was mediated by the Prime Minister, Pierre Damien Habumuryemyi, the motor cycle taxi operators said whenever they commit traffic offences; however minor, police impound their machines.The meeting attracted more than 7,000 motor cycle taxi operators, the Mayor of Kigali City, Fidele Ndayisaba, Police’s Commissioner for Operations and Public Order, Emmanuel Butera as well several government officials.The operators complained that when they fall foul of traffic rules, police impounded their machines for 30 days pending payment of fines, and are offered no opportunity to discuss with the arresting officers the circumstances in which the offence, no matter how minor, was committed. “These motorcycles are our only source of income; when they are impounded for over 30 days our daily lives are badly affected. We ask traffic police to be lenient and try to reason with us because we cannot break the law intentionally,” said Emmanuel Bizimana, an operator in Nyabugogo. In response, Habumuryemi urged the operators to observe traffic rules to ensure that the relationship between them and the police is smooth.“If you maintain discipline on the road, the police will have no reason to impound your motorcycles. I urge the police to work with you and teach you all the road safety rules so that you all understand what is required. “The government is willing to help you with all your needs as long as you also abide by the laws. You must make sure that, first of all, the lives of your passengers are safe,” he said.The PM also urged them to ensure the safety of the country by watching out for terrorists who usually use the services of motor cycle taxis.“We have reports that those who throw grenades into public places trying to injure innocent Rwandans are always transported on motor cycles. If you love your country, please do not accept to be part of such cowardly acts. Be patriotic and report to authorities the moment you suspect such acts,” he saidThe operators also pointed out that the smooth operation of their business is hampered by corrupt traffic officers who confiscate their motorcycles without pressing charges and demand bribes before they release them. “There are cases when a traffic officers stop us and impound our motorcycles even when we are not in the wrong; and the only way you can get it back is if you have Rwf 5,000 ready in your hands,” Theoneste Nsegimana, an operator in Kigali city said. In response, Butera said that the police force does not tolerate corruption and urged operators to report the corrupt officers.“We have a zero tolerance policy to corruption and have punished officers who are involved in the vice. There are toll free numbers and several government agencies where you can report such cases,” Butera said.He, however, urged them to abide by the law in order to avoid being caught in the wrong.“Many of you drive carelessly and put the lives of your passengers at risk. You should endeavor to always abide by the traffic rules, park only in designated areas and let police do their work. This way we shall all live in harmony,” he said.To improve hygiene, the operators, city authorities and police agreed that cotton head covers should be reintroduced to protect passengers from acquiring skin infections that may be transferred through the helmets.“Hygiene is of important value and, within a month, these protective head coverings must be reintroduced,” he said.“To ensure sustainability, all concerned parties must meet to determine the price of the equipment and decide on how to share the costs.”There are over 14,000 motorcycle taxi operators in the country, most of who operate within Kigali City.
