Bill seeks to scrap traffic unit

The Traffic Police Department will be abolished if amendments to a current law are adopted.

If MPs approve the Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2012, all police officers will be required to enforce traffic laws.

“For avoidance of doubt, the administrative unit of the Kenya Police Service known as the Traffic Department is hereby abolished,” reads the Bill Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo sponsored.

“The Bill seeks to enhance penalties for traffic offences and minimise loss of lives,” it reads.

The Act will also vest ownership of vehicle registration plates on the Kenya Revenue Authority and that they be surrendered to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles once ownership of a vehicle changes.

The proposed legislation also will require all driver’s licence holders to undergo an eye test every three years. “A licence will not be renewed unless a medical practitioner’s report certifying the condition of the applicant’s eyesight is presented,” says the Bill.

Those who contravene the requirement will be disqualified from holding a licence for three years.

Any person who sells or transfers a vehicle to another shall be required to surrender the number plates to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.

Failure to do so will attract a fine not exceeding Sh30,000 and Sh10,000 for every month the law is not observed.

Those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs risk a 10-year jail term or minimum fine of Sh500,000 or both.

Reckless drivers who overlap or drive on pavements, pedestrian walkways or petrol stations to avoid traffic build-ups risk a three-month prison term or a Sh30,000 fine or both.

“The licence of a person convicted for violating a speed limit shall be invalidated for a period not less than three years if the violation is by up to 10 kilometres per hour or is repeated more than three times,” the Bill says.

Police will be required to erect roadblocks in areas designated by the Inspector General of Police. Signs prescribing speed limits will also be erected.

Drivers and conductors of public service vehicles will wear badges and uniforms. The law will also compel PSV drivers to undergo compulsory competence testing every two years.

Motorcycles will be insured against third party risks and riders compelled to wear helmets and reflector jackets. Those who contravene the law will be liable to a Sh10,000 fine or a one-year jail term.