Police impound unregistered motorcycles in Mzuzu

Police in Mzuzu are impounding unregistered motorcycles operating as taxis in a drive to reduce road accidents by ensuring only roadworthy motorcycles ply the streets.
Mzuzu Police Station spokesperson Patrick Saulosi said on Wednesday that law enforcers are impounding motorcycles that do not comply with taxi operation laws.

For a motorcycle to operate as a taxi, their owners are required to obtain a permit from the Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services.
Saulosi said the police have received reports of many hit-and-run accidents involving unregistered motorcycles.
He said: “Some accidents involving motorcyclists and passengers or pedestrians have been a result of some motorcycles not being roadworthy and the incompetence of their riders. This exercise will help reduce such accidents.”
Saulosi said for a person to ride a motorcycle, there is need for training to get a licence that bears code A.
He said those with unregistered motorcycles are being fined K10 000 while those riding motorcycles without licences face a K20 000 fine.
Motorcycle taxis was an initiative of the People’s Party (PP) administration that sought to improve the economic base of bicycle operators.