Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The Ministry of Works and Transport is moving forward with legislative initiatives aimed at improving road safety in the wake of a tragic bus accident last week.
These measures include the finalisation of several key bills that address various aspects of road safety.
The deputy executive director of the department of transport at the ministry, Jonas Sheelongo, provided an overview of the ministry’s approach following a call from the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) for stricter regulations, specifically targeting the operating hours and rest periods of small bus drivers to prevent fatigue-related accidents.
“In the short term, promotional and educational road safety activities will continue while the Ministry is working on long-term solutions. We will work towards the implementation of the Vehicle Mass Act, Act 1 of 2024, by finalising its accompanying regulations,” said Sheelongo.
Sheelongo further outlined the Ministry’s legislative agenda, which includes the Public Passenger Road Transport Bill, the Roads Bill, and the Road Safety Management Bill.
“These bills have implications on road safety to varying degrees and are part of our broader strategy to enhance safety on our roads,” he stated.
The PDM has also proposed measures such as restricting the operating hours of small buses like Ivecos and Quantums between 20:00 and 05:00.
They also suggested implementing regulations to limit the number of hours small bus drivers can operate consecutively, enforce mandatory rest periods, and enhance monitoring and enforcement through digital tachographs and regular inspections.
In response to the PDM’s proposals, Sheelongo indicated that the Ministry is open to considering these suggestions once they are formally submitted.
“The proposal by PDM needs to be studied and thoroughly analysed by the Ministry,” he said.
“Such analysis will entail, among others, a comparison of what the law already provides for, a cost-benefit analysis of any new proposals, and their implications on the industry and other relevant institutions.”
Currently, the Road Transport and Traffic Regulations already impose limits on driving hours and mandate rest periods for commercial drivers.
Part 2 of the regulations states that a driver may not operate a vehicle for more than five hours continuously or 14 hours in a 24-hour period. It also requires drivers to rest for a minimum continuous period of nine hours within a 24-hour cycle.
Additionally, vehicles must be fitted with an approved recording device capable of tracking driving and resting times.
Last month road safety advocate Felix Tjozongoro highlighted the importance of these bills in a statement.
“The proposed bills are crucial for improving road safety. They cover essential areas such as vehicle mass limits, public transport regulations, and comprehensive road safety management,” he said.
