Niël Terblanché
The Namibian Police is gearing up to ensure road safety for all citizens and visitors.
The head of the Namibian Police’s Public Relations Division, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi in a statement warned owners and drivers of public transport vehicles that the police are tightening measures to enhance road safety during this busy period.
The preparations for the festive season road safety campaign were initiated on 17 November 2023, when the Inspector-General of the Namibian Police launched the 2023/2024 Festive Season Road Safety Campaign in Swakopmund, Erongo Region. During the launch event, the Inspector General of the Namibian Police stressed the critical importance of deploying Traffic Law Enforcement members and fostering collaboration with all stakeholders to achieve the Decade of Action goals of reducing road fatalities by 50% by 2030.
“It is expected from all stakeholders to engage road users on road safety, as well as to enforce the applicable and relevant laws where necessary,” stated Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo during the recent campaign launch.
It is in the interest of public safety and in response to numerous inquiries.
Deputy Commissioner Shikwambi said that the Namibian Police Force is reminding all public transport vehicle owners and drivers of specific regulations that must be adhered to during road travel.
“These regulations are essential for ensuring the safety of both passengers and road users,” she said.
Under Regulation 279 of the Road Traffic Act, it is mandatory for every minibus operating for reward to carry at least one readily accessible fire extinguisher. The fire extinguisher must meet one of the following criteria: The dry powder type with a capacity of at least one kilogram or the halogenated hydrocarbon type (BCF) with a capacity of at least one kilogram, and it must be in good working order.
Additionally, every bus operating for reward must carry at least one readily accessible fire extinguisher. The fire extinguisher must be the dry powder type with a capacity of at least two-and-a-half kilograms.
According to Deputy Commissioner Shikwambi, it is important to note that the regulation regarding the fire extinguisher is applicable only to public motor vehicles and not privately owned vehicles.
The Namibian Police encourages individuals to carry fire extinguishers in their privately owned vehicles as an additional safety measure to potentially save lives in case of a fire.
She said that it is essential for the owner of a motor vehicle to ensure that the number plate of the vehicle is properly affixed, following the date of licensing, regardless of whether the motor vehicle is operated on a public road or not.
Regarding the display of number plates, it is imperative that when a number plate is damaged, displays separated film due to water damage, or the letters and figures are not clearly noticeable, it no longer complies with standard specifications. In such cases, the damaged number plate must be replaced immediately to meet the requirements of the law. Failure to comply may result in fines issued to the driver.
With regard to emergency warning signs such as triangles, she said that the law mandates that every vehicle must have at least one emergency warning sign on board. For a combination of vehicles, there must be at least two emergency triangles present in the vehicle.
Deputy Commissioner Shikwambi stressed the significance of adhering to these regulations to enhance road safety during the festive season and beyond.
“These measures are in place to protect the lives of road users and ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season for all,” she stated.
