By JOHN SAKALA
The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) has urged members of the public, especially drivers to adhere to road traffic rules and regulations during the Heroes and Unity day holidays.
Speaking when he addressed RTSA Officers as he flagged off the ten (10) days countrywide traffic law enforcement programme ahead of the four days holiday, RTSA Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Zindaba Soko said traffic law enforcement is critical in reducing the number of road traffic crashes in the country.
The RTSA has observed that most accidents occur during holidays hence the need for all road users to exercise caution and refrain from abrogating road traffic rules and regulations with impunity.
Mr Soko has stated that during this period most drivers tend to over speed and drive whilst intoxicated thereby causing accidents which result in injuries and deaths.
He has therefore cautioned drivers to refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol as doing so impairs one’s judgement. Mr Soko further assures the nation of RTSA and Zambia Police presence countrywide as a joint team of officers from both institutions has been deployed to all 10 provinces throughout the major highways.
The Agency has drawn up a pro-active and tentative enforcement programme as means of promoting road safety, and has equally set up strategic spot checks for various traffic offences particulary screening drivers for drinking and driving.
Meanwhile, Mr Soko urged all RTSA officers to uphold integrity, transparency and accountability as they execute their duties adding that they be professional as they interface with the public.
He has further warned of grave disciplinary actions for any officers operating outside the provision of the law.
Mr Soko has further appealed to members of the public to report all bad road user behaviour and road accident emergencies to the RTSA Call Centre through its Toll-Free line 983 or emergency line 0955 983 983.
This is according to a media statement by RTSA Head of Public Relations Fredrick Mubanga.
