EDITORIAL: WHY IS IT LIKE WINNING A JACKPOT TO BE A TRAFFIC POLICE OFFICER IN ZAMBIA?

THE call by Commuters Association of Zambia (CAZ) president Aaron Kamuti for a complete overhaul in the Traffic Police Department and the need for change of mind-set among officers to bring sanity on our roads, is spot-on.

The operations of the officers from the Traffic section of our service leave a lot to be desired in that even when directives are given by the Minister on what they need to do and not do on the road, the first people to abrogate this are the officers themselves and as a country, we must be worried when the law enforcers become the abrogators.

It is not even a disputable fact that most of the local route buses around Lusaka are not worthy to be on the road. What is more shocking is the fact that traffic police officers are all over impounding these same buses daily but how these buses still find them on our roads and continue to endanger the lives of the traveling masses, only the devil knows.

With the foregoing, we would not be far from the truth if we conclude that most of the revenue that is supposed to be going to the Government coffers from fines paid by those who abrogate traffic rules end up in the pockets of the police officers. Since no police officer can be on the road mounting illegal roadblocks and snap checkpoints without the permission of their superiors, the same proceeds are also shared by the seniors in these offices, thereby compounding the problem. 

Honestly, how can the vehicle that is impounded on account that it is not worthy to be on the road be allowed after the driver or operator is made to pay to the same traffic officers that impound them? How does this become a remedy?

The issue of unroadworthy short-distance buses in Zambia is a serious concern that poses risks to the safety and well-being of passengers and other road users.

The failure of the traffic police to impound these vehicles can be attributed to a variety of factors, including corruption, lack of resources, and inadequate enforcement mechanisms. Corruption within the traffic police department may play a significant role in the failure to impound unroadworthy buses.

In some cases, police officers may turn a blind eye to violations in exchange for bribes or other forms of illegal payments from bus operators. This compromises road safety and allows dangerous vehicles to continue operating on the roads, putting the lives of passengers at risk. Additionally, the lack of resources and capacity within the traffic police department may hinder their ability to effectively enforce regulations and impound unroadworthy vehicles.

Insufficient funding, manpower, and equipment may limit the ability of police officers to conduct thorough inspections, identify violations, and take enforcement actions against non-compliant bus operators. Furthermore, there may be challenges in the enforcement mechanisms and legal framework governing roadworthiness standards for public transportation vehicles in Zambia.

Inadequate regulations, unclear guidelines, and loopholes in the enforcement process may create barriers to holding bus operators accountable for maintaining safe and roadworthy vehicles. It is essential for the Zambian government to address these systemic issues and strengthen enforcement mechanisms to ensure the safety of passengers and road users.

Efforts should be made to combat corruption within the traffic police department, enhance resources and capacity for enforcement activities, and improve regulatory frameworks for monitoring and enforcing roadworthiness standards for public transportation vehicles.

Public awareness campaigns, training programs for police officers, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders, such as transport associations and regulatory bodies, can also help to address the issue of unroadworthy buses and promote a culture of compliance with safety regulations in the transportation sector.

Ultimately, the safety and well-being of passengers should be prioritized, and all necessary measures should be taken to ensure that only roadworthy vehicles are allowed to operate on Zambia’s roads.

The disproportionate allocation of police officers to the traffic department compared to general services can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the need for increased traffic enforcement due to high accident rates and traffic congestion, the potential for revenue generation through fines and penalties, and the perceived importance of maintaining road safety.

One of the main reasons for the higher number of police officers in the traffic department is the pressing need for increased traffic enforcement. Zambia, like many other countries, faces significant challenges related to road safety, including high rates of accidents, fatalities, and injuries.

As such, there is a need for more police officers dedicated to enforcing traffic laws, conducting road safety campaigns, and managing traffic flow to reduce the number of accidents and ensure the safety of road users. Additionally, the traffic department is often seen as a revenue-generating entity for the government through the collection of fines and penalties for traffic violations.

This financial incentive may lead to a greater emphasis on traffic enforcement and the deployment of more officers to this department to ensure compliance with traffic regulations and increase revenue for the government.

Moreover, the public perception of the importance of traffic enforcement and road safety may also influence the allocation of resources to the traffic department. Road accidents and traffic congestion are visible and tangible issues that affect a large number of people, leading to a greater emphasis on addressing these issues through increased enforcement and presence of police officers in the traffic department.

While the focus on traffic enforcement and revenue generation may lead to concerns about police officers engaging in corrupt practices to extract money from motorists, it is essential for law enforcement agencies to prioritize integrity, professionalism, and public service in their duties.

Police officers should uphold the highest ethical standards and serve the public interest by ensuring road safety, enforcing traffic laws fairly and impartially, and maintaining public trust in the police force. Efforts should be made to address any instances of corruption or misconduct within the traffic department and promote transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices.

The disproportionate allocation of police officers to the traffic department compared to general services can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the need for increased traffic enforcement due to high accident rates and traffic congestion, the potential for revenue generation through fines and penalties, and the perceived importance of maintaining road safety.

One of the main reasons for the higher number of police officers in the traffic department is the pressing need for increased traffic enforcement. Zambia, like many other countries, faces significant challenges related to road safety, including high rates of accidents, fatalities, and injuries but are we getting a good deal from our officers? The answer is a categorical no! This is why something must be done as a matter of urgency.