It has been observed that taxi-moto operators transport more than one passenger and large luggage, which obstructs traffic flow and puts people’s lives at high risk.
As a result, the Traffic and Road Safety department has strengthened operations against the high risk violations as part of the ongoing Gerayo Amahoro campaign.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Emmanuel Kayigi, the spokesperson for the traffic department, said that the practice is common in taxi-moto operators transporting students, and foodstuff in markets.
At least 24 motorcycles were impounded on Monday after they were found transporting up to four people, each. The majority passengers were students.
Between July and August, 49 motorcycles were impounded for dangerous loading, 64 riders had no driver’s license, and 57 motorcycles had concealed or altered plate numbers.
“These are serious road traffic violations committed intentionally and putting lives of people in danger. Imagine a motorcycle transporting four children, rushing to school in those pick hours! Risks are high and the motorcycle has insurance for the rider and one passenger only,” SP Kayigi observed.
He added: “Some motorcycles transport large sacks of goods and in some cases they conceal number plates so as to avoid being detected and penalized. We have impounded 194 motorcycles since July 25, for overloading luggage and passengers, riding without a driver’s license and those with altered or concealed plate numbers. These operations are continuous.”
A motorcycle is licensed to carry only one passenger with both the rider and passenger wearing a helmet.
Article 31 of Law n° 042/2023 of 02/08/2023 governing land and waterways transport, provides that the operator of transport of people or goods on public road uses a vehicle covered by insurance and complies with the terms and conditions stated in such insurance.
SP Kayigi reminded motorcyclists, who alter or conceal number plates that it is a crime punishable by law.
Under article 276 of the law determining offences and penalties in general, any person, who, with fraudulent intention, produces a false written document, causes to write false statements, or produces a conflicting declaration, is considered to a commit the offence of forgery.
Upon conviction, he or she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than fives years but not more than seven years and a fine of between Frw3 million and Frw5 million, or one of these penalties. (End)