KAMPALA – Following a number of complaints and accidents caused by erratic drivers without right of way who shove other road users off the roads, Police has proposed to have the errant drivers jailed to end the menace.
The new proposals were fronted by the head of traffic police AIGP Steven Kasiima while appearing before the Parliamentary Physical Infrastructure Committee on Thursday, September 5, where Police had appeared to present their views on the Traffic and Road Safety Amendment Bill 2019 that is being scrutunised by Parliament.
Police is seeking to arrest drivers found guilty of fighting for right of way yet they do not fall in the privileged category.
The traffic police want any driver of an emergency motor vehicle who contravenes the law in offing to be liable to a fine of UGX6M or to be imprisoned for a period not exceeding three years.
Police is proposing to have the right of way according to the traffic and safety Act 1998 limited to; the president and vice president, speaker and deputy ,Chief Justice and his deputy ,and the Prime Minister (excluding his deputies ).
The vehicles with right of way comprise of Ambulances, fire brigade trucks,police and UPDF automobiles plus cash-carrier bullion vans with audible sirens and to be fitted with a flash.
Kasiima said that this amendment is required in the new law to enable the agencies mandated to evacuate victims of accidents and disasters easily.
He said that if it means abolishing lead cars of those not legally recognised then it shall be done; adding that the other people like ministers should be provided with backup security cars instead of lead cars.
He revealed that the public has been criticizing police for giving permission to some individuals for the right of way but this mandate was given to the minister whom these people have been writing to requesting for it.
The Police Chief also proposed that the new law should give traffic police authority to park vehicles found of violating traffic rules and regulations and to only be released after paying penalty fees.
