KAMPALA- The Directorate of Traffic Police has said they have launched a joint crackdown against errant drivers, especially for government vehicles and VIPs. Traffic police spokesperson, Michael Kananura has said the joint operation was mooted after an increase in cases of indiscipline on the road.
He said there is an increasing misuse of the road by VIPs who have escort vehicles driven by army and police drivers who disregard traffic regulations.
“There is an increasing misuse of the road by VIPs who have escort vehicles driven by army and police drivers who disregard traffic regulations. They move as if they are in an emergency even when they are not,” Kananura said.
A number of Ugandans have in the past complained of drivers of government vehicles, including State House and the army among others of disregarding other road users.
Many of these drive in the wrong lanes, forcing other motorists off the road while others disregard traffic guidelines and regulations.
However, the spokesperson said the joint operation will help crack down on such drivers.
He said vehicles categorized as being under emergency include police fire brigade, ambulances, military motor vehicles of the armed forces, trailers or engineering plants as may be designated by the minister.
“A driver of a car of the president, vice president, chief justice, speaker of parliament or the prime minister or police vehicle or other emergency vehicle is allowed to deviate from the regulations. He said,”
On his side Col. Deo Akiiki the PDF Spokesperson, has said that the operations have followed complaints to the leadership of UPDF about indiscipline on the road.
“They will also deal with unauthorized persons using military stores like uniforms and jackets to intimidate traffic officials as well as check on compliance to military standard operating procedures by our own drivers and officers while on the road. Akiiki has noted.
According to 2004 right of way and emergency designation by ministry of Transport with accordance with regulation 5 (2) of the road safety act, only President, vice president, chief justice, deputy chief justice, speaker of parliament, Deputy Speaker of Parliament and prime minister are the only persons that automatically qualifies for the right of way.
