Govt suspends revised road traffic fines after an outcry from motorists

Government has suspends new penalties and fee for the department of road Traffic and Safety Services.

Minister of Transport and Public Works Jappie Mhango confirmed of the development in an interview with Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS).

According to Mhango, government has suspended the new prescribed offenses and penalties and also the miscellaneous fees for the Department of Road Traffic and Safety Service until further notice.

When asked as to why the sudden change, Mhango said government has listened to the people and would like to get more feedback from all stakeholders and will find a way forward.

The Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services (DRTSS) earlier this week hiked road traffic services and fines by 200 percent.

The aim of the hiking was to curb the increasing road accident in the country mostly caused by reckless driving.

But the hike attracted public condemnation especially from motorists as well as right activist in the country.

Many people said the revised fines will results in sharp increase in corruption on the road as most of the drivers will not be able to pay the fine.

Some of the new fees and fines are follows;

1 Driving a vehicle without COF is now at K30,000 from K10,000.

2. Driving a vehicle without a driver’s licence or professional driving permit is now at K100,000 from K10,000

3. Dangerous overtaking is now punishable by a fine of K50,000 from K10,000

4. Exceeding speed limit (speed trap) is at K50,000 from K5,000

5. Underrating traffic police officers will be punishable by K200,000 from K20,000