Police deregister 150 motorcycles in Soroti

PIC: As many as 150 motorcycles have been impounded in the last one month during a police operation in Soroti. (Credit: Simon Naulele)

TRANSPORT & SAFETY

In efforts to check the rising cases of road carnage in the district, the police in Soroti have deregistered 150 motorcycles and four vehicles in a period of one month.

They were impounded following an ongoing driver's road competence and permit verification exercise in the district.

According to the traffic boss, Richard Pajobo, they are also sensitizing riders and drivers on safety tips, traffic guidance signs, road markings and road use discipline.

He says they have realized that most of the road accidents occurring in the district are involving motorcyclists (boda boda) either who are incompetent or whose machines are not roadworthy.

"Every week we get five road accidents involving a motorcycle, either with pedestrians, another motorcycle or with A vehicle," Pajoba told New Vision.

In their operation code-named ‘fika-salaama' [loosely translated as 'reach safe'], the police are targeting unroadworthy motorcycles and vehicles, drink-drivers/riders, those without driving permits, and incompetent drivers/riders.

"Once we deregister your motorcycle or vehicle we expect you to go and correct the mistake which is contained in Police Form 24 before coming to be verified by the Inspector of Vehicles (IOV) so that we give you back your number plate," says Pajobo.

He warned that any motorist found riding or driving a deregistered motorcycle or vehicle will be arrested and charged.

The Soroti district police commander SP Robert Katuramu said: "We are going to organize training for all the motorists in the district in order to improve their skills and competence while on the road."

He appealed to the public to always respect the traffic signs, and also ensure that they use roadworthy vehicles.

Meanwhile the residents in Soroti have commended the police for the operation, saying it will go a long way in helping to reduce the rampant road accidents in the eastern Uganda town.

"Today, a speeding motorist knocked dead a child who was on a boda boda with her mother who sustained serious injuries," said resident Peninah Aujo.