18 vehicles seized in police crackdown
Matatus parked at the Engen fuel station along Mombasa-Malindi highway on April 1, 2014. Police launched a crackdown on non-compliant vehicles during the Easter season. Photo/FILE
18 public transport vehicles were seized in Malindi during the Easter season after a police crackdown on cars non-compliant to traffic regulations.
Malindi base commander Francis Ibaya said thirteen of the impounded vehicles lacked speed governors and the rest had no certificate of compliance.
He warned that the crackdown would continue until all rules in the National Transport and Safety Authority Act 2012/2014 are adhered to.
"We are here to enforce what the law says and we shall do that until there is sanity on our roads," he said.
According to Mr Ibaya, all PSV vehicles should have their fares displayed to avoid exploitation by unscrupulous conductors.
REPORT CASES
He urged members of the public to report such cases to his office.
"It is not in order for passengers to pay triple the amount to their destinations. Matatu operators should seize from hiking fares as they wish or we shall catch up with them," he warned.
Matatu owners however chastised the move saying it is difficult to comply to the rules when the process of verification is not clear.
Mr Hassan Bumuvwa, who owns a fleet of matatus on the Malindi- Mombasa route, said there is only one center serving all the vehicles in the Coast region making the process cumbersome.
He also urged police to consider the delay in supply of speed governors in the county. Mr Stephen Gachiru, a driver, said he paid for a speed governor but was yet to receive one.
