Rwanda National Police (RNP) and City of Kigali held a meeting with commercial motorcyclists operating in the capital in a move aimed at further streamlining their transport operations to prevent road carnage.
The meeting held at Kigali Pele stadium was also attended by officials from RURA and RCA.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in Charge of Operations, Vincent Sano emphasized the impact of moto transport to the development of the country, but added that it must be done in an orderly manner and in accordance with traffic regulations to ensure road security.
“Since our last meeting in March, when you made a commitment to change your ways of transport operations to ensure road safety, we have registered over 890 road accidents caused or involving motorcycles, some of which were fatal or serious. In the same period, Police impounded over 1100 motorcycles found in serious traffic offences,” DIGP Sano said.
Some of the impounded motorcycles had concealed plate numbers, other riders were found with no driver’s license, riding while drunk, violating traffic lights and one-way, and riding on pedestrian walkways, among others.
Others had made repeated violations and with heavy traffic fines accumulated over a period of time.
“You facilitate easy transport, contribute to the well-being and development of your families and the country but you must operate in a safer and secure manner… with maximum observance of traffic rules and regulations,” the Deputy Police Chief said.
He further urged owners of impounded motorcycles to follow the procedure and pick them.
Rwanda National Police has eased the process of getting back their motos, especially those with big fines, including paying in instalments.
One of the issues raised by taxi-moto operators include lack of parking lots. The Mayor of City of Kigali, Samuel Dusengiyumva, said that more moto parking yards are being established in the capital in addition to those already created.
He added that plans are underway to establish other parking lots at big commercial buildings.
The Mayor also asked taxi-moto operators to ensure hygiene and refrain from littering. (End)