Traffic offenders to face instant justice as gov’t heightens vigilance during festive season

Traffic offenders will face instant justice on the highways this festive season, as the government moves to curb the surging road carnage across the country.

The National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) says a string of measures will be enforced, including the erection of roadblocks, the deployment of NTSA and EACC officials, and strict adherence to legally prescribed driver working hours.

These measures come as the Cabinet approved the rollout of smart driving licences featuring provisions of instant fines, mobile wallets and driver merits and demerits.

Speaking on Monday, Chief Justice Martha Koome said the deaths on the roads have increased by 5% over the same period last year.

She therefore said that NCAJ is rolling out a raft of measures to stem these accidents and top on that list will be dispensation of instant justice for traffic rules offenders

“Deaths associated with traffic accident have risen from 4,479 recorded the same time last year, which have risen to 4,682 same time this year,” she said.

“What we want to assure Kenyans is that we do not want to cut short their festivities, they will be handled expeditiously and allowed to go on with their holidays. This will entail the deployment of mobile courts using physical and electronic means as a deterrent and enforcement measure.”

Strategic roadblocks will also be mounted along major road corridors, with a focus on vehicle roadworthiness, particularly public service vehicles and motorbikes, the two categories most prone to high-casualty incidents.

Alongside this high-visibility policing, the NCAJ has established a new lifeline for road users.

“With close collaboration with members from the police service, ODPP, Judiciary, Kenya prison service, the EACC and LSK, those who will require legal representation will be accorded an opportunity and encouraged to reach out to their advocates within a reasonable time and we will be sharing links where the courts will be stationed everyday,” Koome added.

Road users will also have access to new toll-free lines 999, 911 and 112 to report incidents such as dangerous overtaking, drunk driving, or even corruption on the roads.

The NCAJ also wants public transport companies to prioritize the welfare of their drivers during the hectic holiday season by ensuring they receive adequate rest between trips.

“No driver should be on the road for more than 8 hours without a stop, that education is going on and we are repeating her for the drivers, you cannot aim to maximize profits and endanger the lives of drivers and endanger the lives of the passengers,” CJ Koome added.

The council is also calling for collaboration from other stakeholders to ensure that response measures are in place, including having ambulances on call should the need arise.