Editor's Review

NTSA has announced night safety checks along major transport corridors, with enforcement targeting motorists who violate traffic regulations.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has announced night safety checks along major transport corridors, with enforcement targeting motorists who violate traffic regulations.

In an update on Monday, October 26, the authority said its teams would be deployed across major transport routes to enforce existing directives, as motorists raised concerns about blinding headlights and additional lights fitted on trucks, matatus and motorcycles.

The announcement followed complaints from a social media user who questioned whether the planned checks would address vehicles using excessively bright lights at night.

"What about trucks driving in your direction with full beams plus 6 spot lights. Matatus and bikes with blinding LED bars? That's the main issue with night driving," the user said.

Responding to the concerns, NTSA said its officers would conduct checks across major transport corridors and enforce the directive.

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"Our team will be on all major transport corridors for the night safety checks. We shall enforce the directive issued," the authority responded.

File image of NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa

The planned enforcement comes against the backdrop of a 2024 notice issued by the Deputy Inspector General of Police to all Regional Police Commanders, directing officers to take action against unauthorized use of emergency-style lights, sirens and escort vehicles on public roads.

In the notice, the Deputy Inspector General said the police headquarters had received complaints about the misuse of such equipment by unauthorized individuals, warning that the practice was affecting the safety and proper use of roads and highways.

"Please, note that complaints have reached this office regarding harassment of our roads and highways by unauthorized persons using strobe lights, light bars, sirens, and lead/chase cars," the notice read.

The notice cited the Traffic Act, Cap 403, and traffic regulations governing the use of sirens and special lights, noting that their use was restricted to authorized categories of vehicles and officials.

"Note that, the Traffic Act Cap 403 sec 34 outlines the use of sirens and above-mentioned lights, further the traffic rules and regulation, rule 83 prioritises the use of siren by the police, fire engines and ambulances. 

"The order of precedence Act 2014 outlines the provisions for the entitlement for use of siren by the President, Deputy President, speakers and the Chief Justice," the notice added.

Consequently, the police directed Regional Police Commanders to ensure legal action was taken against anyone using the equipment without authorization.

The directive listed strobe lights, light bars, sirens and lead or chase cars among the items and practices targeted for enforcement on public roads and highways.

The notice also warned motorists against improper overtaking and driving on the wrong side of the road, except where permitted under existing laws and regulations.

"In addition, no driver will be allowed to overlap or use the wrong side of our Roads or Highways other than as provided in the Laws and Regulations. Deal accordingly," the notice concluded.