Tanzanian police to intensify vehicle safety inspections as Sept 1 deadline nears
What you need to know:
- The decrease in accidents has been attributed to the removal of unqualified drivers and increased training and seminars
Dodoma. The Tanzanian Police will begin a crackdown on vehicles that have not undergone inspection by September 1, 2024.
This was announced yesterday by the Traffic Police Commander, Mr Ramadhan Ng’azi, during a briefing on the upcoming Road Safety Week which is scheduled to start on August 26 to 30, 2024.
Ng’azi outlined several measures that had been implemented since the resumption of night-time travel, including the requirement for two drivers per passenger bus, the installation of speed monitoring devices, increased patrols, and alcohol testing for drivers.
Additionally, he said new driver change stations had been established for long-distance travel exceeding eight hours, with key locations in Singida and Iringa.
“Currently, we are seeing a reduction in serious accidents, with only minor incidents reported,” Ng’azi said.
“Our measures, combined with divine support and public prayers, have been effective in managing the situation.”
Ng’azi also reported a significant decrease in accidents involving government vehicles and night-time incidents.
Data indicate that incidents involving government and public institution vehicles have dropped from 200 reported cases by December of last year to just 32 reported cases this August.
“The reduction in government vehicle accidents is notable, and we are optimistic that this trend will continue,” Ng’azi added.
The decrease in accidents is attributed to the removal of unqualified drivers and increased training and seminars.
On vehicle inspections, Ng’azi emphasized that vehicles that have not undergone inspection will be prohibited from operating on the roads.
This is seen as a critical step in addressing safety issues related to vehicle defects.
“We are committed to identifying and addressing those who evade inspections.
Vehicle owners are urged to voluntarily comply with inspection requirements,” Ng’azi stated.
He also announced that the Vice President, Dr Philip Mpango, will be the guest of honour at Road Safety Week, which will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Road Safety Council.
For his part, the Dodoma Regional Road Safety Committee Chairman, Mr Faustine Mwakalinga ,emphasized the significance of these events for road safety stakeholders.
