Police issues traffic guidelines for the festive season

The Uganda Police have issued 13 guidelines that motorists and other road users must adhere to during the Christmas and New Year festivities as one of the measures of avoiding or reducing road accidents.

They include; carrying a valid driving permit at all times, ensuring that the motor vehicle is in good mechanical condition and roadworthy, avoid over speeding, not to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and drivers fastening their seat belts.

Other guidelines include avoiding driving a vehicle without a number plate affixed in the prescribed manner.

The Kampala Metropolitan Police traffic boss, Norman Musinga, issued the guidelines on Friday at the Central Police Station in Kampala.

He warned bus drivers against flouting route charts and to avoid making return journeys and warned all public service vehicles to avoid carrying excess passengers.

He at the same time encouraged passengers to always speak out by complaining or calling the Police in case the driver is reckless.

Musinga said drivers must also stick to the usual routes that they are familiar with and remove vehicles that breakdown along their respective journeys to avoid causing accidents.

On bodaboda riders, Musinga said the Police would be looking for riders who carry more than one passenger, especially in the evening. He also banned parents from letting their children below 18 years to drive. 

If anyone wants to inform the Police, they should call the toll free number 0800199099 and the official line 0718357497 or via WhatsApp on 0787176649.