Boarding a bus from anywhere could be costly

By Maseme Machuka

Commuters be warned: You could pay heavily for flouting traffic rules you have always ignored.

New road laws announced by Transport Minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere also have tough conditions for matatu and taxis operators.

For instance, passengers on PSVs and operators will face the law for boarding or being dropped at undesignated spots.

Flouting the rules will attract a six-month imprisonment or fine of between Sh10,000 and Sh15,000.

"Reports we have received from hospitals indicate accidents have become the highest killer," Mr Mwakwere said on Wednesday.

The Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2009 takes effect in less than a month.

In his effort to scale down road carnage, Mwakwere said he amended the Act to protect lives and restore sanity on our roads.

The new rules outlaw tinted windows on PSVs, which the minister said make it difficult for traffic police officers to see through during inspection.

"For the purposes of this rule a tinted vehicle means shaded, coloured or treated in a similar manner so that the persons or objects inside are not seen clearly from outside," he said.

He added: "We need to allow the inspectors to get into every PSV when conducting an inspection. We also want the public to know it is in their interest we are implementing these new rules."

Not to blame

He also defended the police, saying they were not to blame for the rising number of road accidents.

Any PSV stationary on the road shall be liable for punishment under the Act.

The new regulations will see motorcycle operators and their passengers wear helmets and jackets with reflectors.

Many people have died or been maimed as motorcycle operators rush to make more money.

Mwakwere said the amended Traffic Act Section 119 aims to reduce motorcycle accidents.

The new law also calls for all motorcycles to have a third party insurance cover. Operators are also required to have valid licences.

Mwakwere introduced the new rules as Environment Minister John Michuki insisted those breaking the noise law would be punished.

Mr Michuki said: "The laws are the simplest regulations to comply with and seek to protect human health and the environment."

The minister stuck to his guns even as matatu operators in the city went on strike, forcing thousands of commuters to walk or pay nearly double the normal fare