NTSA turns to technology to combat vehicle theft, offences

NAIROBI, KENYA: The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is banking on new technology to improve efficiency in the monitoring and reduction of traffic violations as well as cut operational costs.

Their new system, dubbed the Transport Integrated Management System (TIMS) and funded by the World Bank, relies on Internet and mobile technology to execute operations geared towards reducing road accidents.

"The key delivery areas of the TIMS project will include a centralised report mechanism by combining all existing databases from the various transport stakeholders into one Central Data Repository (CDS) for driving offences, accidents, vehicle and ownership verification and vehicle road-worthiness," states NTSA Director General Francis Meja.

NTSA says the CDS, which will be hosted by the authority, will be shared using satellite, mobile and internet connectivity to provide instant access and interactivity by all authorised parties. It will also assist in crime investigation, prevention and management.

The project includes new databases on vehicle registration expected to facilitate the introduction of new generation number plates which will enable police clamp down on speeding, overlapping, dangerous overtaking and reckless driving.

"In addition to this, the driver testing and licensing module will facilitate the introduction of the smart driving license, which will improve information sharing between government agencies and the insurance industry. It will lead to effective monitoring of driving habits and record violations," reads the statement.