The traffic police in the Jonglei State capital, Bor, is carrying out an operation against unlicensed motorcycle taxis, commonly referred to as boda-bodas who do not adhere to traffic and road safety regulations.
The clampdown started on 7 June.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj over the weekend, Major General Samuel Bidik Puot, the state’s traffic police director, said the crackdown will help curtail rising crimes perpetrated by individuals who disguise themselves as motorcycle taxi operators. He pointed out that more than 60 motorcycles and rickshaws have been impounded since the exercise started.
“We are targeting motorcycles who have been operating without number plates, licenses, or logbooks. Some motorcyclists have also fixed a very bright light called “gas” and such lights are being used to confuse pedestrians and rob them of their belongings,” he said. “So far, we have impounded 55 motorbikes and seven rickshaws.”
The traffic police boss pointed out that the exercise will continue until all those operating illegally are apprehended in order to ensure road safety.
A Bor resident, John Bior, urged motorists to abide by traffic rules.
“Bor is a town so there is a need that we abide by rules and regulations because these traffic officers are there for our safety, he said. “This issue of gas lights is even responsible for some accidents at night and they must be removed.”
For his part, Gai Atwel Ayom, the head of the Boda-boda and Rickshaw Association in Bor, said they are cooperating with the police to ensure that all taxi riders meet road safety requirements.
“The traffic police conveyed to us the message that they want to crack down on those with no number plates or logbooks. we conveyed the message to our colleagues. Those who heeded our calls went and got the required documents while those who were defiant are the ones being targeted,” he said. “My message to my colleague is that they should abide by road safety rules. I also call on traffic police officers not to overcharge owners of impounded bikes because some of them are breadwinners for their families.”