Rwanda National Police releases impounded motorcycles

The Rwanda National Police, on Friday started the exercise to release the impounded motorcycles.

This follows the new guidelines issued by the Traffic and road safety Department, where motorcyclists found breaking traffic regulations will be handed alternative punishments like fines instead of seizing them like before, except for few but serious offenses.

“Though according to new guidelines there is leniency were motorists violating road traffic rules will now be fined, there are exceptions where motorcycles will be seized, and impounded, especially those operating without insurance, over loading and where the rider is found without a license,” Supt. Badege clarified.

The number of people who died in road traffic accidents last year reduced by 21.4 percent to 308 from 392 registered in 2011 according to police statistics.

The reduction is attributed to several road safety measures initiated by Rwanda National Police and partners such as sensitization, erecting of more traffic signposts, which improved road security.

Negligence, bad maneuvers and over speeding respectively remains the major causes of traffic accidents with 56.4 percent, 24.3 percent and 8.8 percent in that order. Negligence also includes driving while on phone.

While speaking to owners of motorcycles, which were released at the Police headquarters in Kacyiru, Supt. Badege said accidents are “preventable if all road users respected traffic rules and value their lives.”

He appealed to them to uphold discipline, dignity and hold meetings to discuss on issues that enforce road safety.

He also urged them to use the available police communication tools – toll-free lines to report things that may hinder security of Rwandans.

Eric Nzabanimana, who is among those that received their motorcycle, yesterday, thanked Rwanda National Police for coming up with an alternative punishment.

He requested for more awareness campaigns, especially among his fellow motorcycle operators, to desist from attitudes that may lead to accidents and consequently to loss of lives, by respecting traffic rules.