Taxi seat belts start on Nov 1

Oct 02, 2004

THE Government yesterday gave motorists, especially commuter taxi and bus owners, one more month to install seat belts.

By Steven Candia
THE Government yesterday gave motorists, especially commuter taxi and bus owners, one more month to install seat belts.

The extension, granted by the ministry of Works, expires at the end of October.
However, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Maj.Gen. Katumba Wamala, yesterday said the extension was the last and that come November 1, Police would enforce the seat belt regulation to the letter.

“It’s the last such opportunity. after that, I will really put down my foot,” Katumba said.
He said the decision to extend the deadline was reached on Thursday at a meeting between Ministry of Works officials and the executive of the Uganda Taxi Operators and Drivers Association (UTODA), who appealed for a one-month extension.

Katumba said the grace period was granted after UTODA cited substandard seat belts and inflated prices, which they said had frustrated efforts of vehicle owners to have them fitted.

“Since the Government is more interested in safety than punishing, another one month grace period was granted,” he said.

UTODA national chairman John Ndyomugenyi yesterday, however, warned motorists to take advantage of the grace period.

“This is the last time we are appealing for an extension,” he said.

He warned that after the expiry of October, any PSV without seat belts would be de-registered.
Ends

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