NIGHT DRIVING BAN HERE TO STAY – TAYALI

TRANSPORT and Logistics Minister Frank Tayali has said he will not lift the ban on night driving until he is convinced that the sector is prepared to change in the way it operates.

Speaking to The Scoop, Mr. Tayali said he wanted to be sure that all parties from operators and drivers knew what was expected of them in order to achieve the goal and that this had been done because of the rampant road accidents recorded on a daily basis.

He stated that time had come for both the operators and drivers to realise the huge role that they played as economic movers in the country.

He said when the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) was established, everyone knew what was happening and was being talked about everywhere, but that now it had now become a different story as its efficiency was treated as business as usual by stakeholders. 

He said at inception, RTSA was never compromised if someone erred on the road but that this time, the scenario had changed thereby contributing to many accidents on the road.

The minister explained that Zambia had good laws but that what was lacking was implementation and respect for the law.

He said the UPND Government would like to bring change to the country and through the RTSA Board that was established, there would be change in road safety.

“RTSA has dropped their guard by allowing rules and regulation to be flaunted around with impunity and that should not be the case. Therefore, I will not lift the ban on night driving until I am convinced that the sector is prepared to change in the way it operates,” Mr. Tayali said.

And Mr Tayali said everyone must raise their standards, even those that are employed.

He expressed worry over the growing trend where some drivers using local routes would be drinking beer while their buses were being loaded and surrendered their buses to their conductors once they got drunk thereby endangering the lives of passengers.

He noted that most accidents that were being recorded daily on the roads were particularly caused by Public service vehicle (PSV) motor vehicles.

“Please, RTSA, come to the party. Something must change. Our economy has slowed down and we would like to supplement the Government’s efforts. Let us aim at hopefully working 24/ 7 if the economy is to strive. Chilanga Cement PLC and Puma petroleum among other companies have set a good standard to adherence to strict vehicle standard, speed and driver management limits,” he said.