Editorial

In the wake of increasing and alarming deadly road accidents, it is good news to hear the Inspector General of Police, saying that a new licence renewal scheme will be up for drivers come next year. This is indeed a welcomed development as every person wants to see the police come up with strategies that will curb the growing menace of accidents. And  not only that, but also that  the announcement came at  the  right  time because  transport plays a significant role in the social and economic development of any country, and the government has recognised it as one of its main priority areas for socio-economic development.

The  huge investment  by the state in road construction justifies this fact. However, the effectiveness of the role played by transport is, to a large extent, dictated by the soundness of transport policy and the strategies utilised in implementing the policy. The fact remains that more than 95% of these accidents happened as a result of  traffic offence commited by drivers. The police have therefore realised that in order to combat this daily menace, we need to effectively join hands to combat the occurrence of traffic offences.  

The police therefore deserve commendation for realising that more roadblocks should be  added on routes   with a high number of accidents in order to improve control of driver and vehicle fitness aspects such as driving licences; driving under the influence of alcohol and the conditions of  vehicle s such as  the problem of lights ; visibility from the rear; tyres; and general roadworthiness.

We are optimistic that if the new scheme comes into force, it will provide answers to road accidents which most of the time result from  illegal and unsafe overtaking; ignoring of  signboards  and disregard for  traffic lights and speed control of all vehicle types, should regularly be taken notice of  at times  on the  road network, where it will have the biggest impact.

However, the inspector general did remarked  as we reported on the paper that security and government drivers will not be subjected to these licensing scheme. The idea needs revisiting. It will be of great help to  every body regardless of who you are in  the  process that is geared towards saving lives. This will make the process a holistic  approach  as every one will be part of the whole lot.

Even though law enforcement should be carried out in accordance with predetermined plans which are based on accident and road traffic offence information, the traffic authority should set standards and benchmarks for performance measurement for each and every person and as well carry out adequate supervision in order to ensure that the set targets are met.