Traffic offenders to pay through banks
Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services (DRTSS) is set to roll out computerised speed cameras that will be recording traffic offences, including over-speeding, it has been established.
But offenders will be paying fines through the directorate’s bank account, meaning that spot fines are set to fade away.
Ministry of Transport and Public Works and DRTSS unpacked the new equipment last week and said it is part of the upgrade of the Malawi Traffic Information System (Maltis) which is now in phase two.
The new speed guns are different from the manual ones currently being used by traffic police officers.
DRTSS spokesperson Chisomo Chibwana said in an interview the new cameras are connected to Maltis; hence, will enable the directorate to trace offenders when renewing traffic documents such as certificate of fitness in case of defaulting payment.
She said the new equipment offers several advantages and is expected to improve road safety.
Said Chibwana: “We have not introduced these machines to increase government revenue, but to enhance safety. Secondly, offenders will not be required to pay fines on the spot as is the case now. They [offenders] will be given a grace period to pay in our NBS Bank accounts. With this system, there will be no suspicions that one [officer] has pocketed money from traffic offenders.”
She said the new system will also help flush out dangerous drivers from the roads as they will have their licences revoked once they are booked more than five times.
