NCD police warn traffic offenders: K500 fine per offence
Police in the National Capital District have issued a stern warning to all motorists, including private vehicle owners, public motor vehicle [PMV] operators, and taxi drivers, to urgently comply with road safety rules or face heavy penalties under a new enforcement campaign.
NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Warrick Simatab said too many defective and unroadworthy vehicles are clogging Port Moresby's already congested roads, posing serious risks to public safety.
“Our roads are becoming increasingly dangerous due to the number of unroadworthy vehicles and reckless drivers. This has to stop,” Supt. Simatab said.
Under the new crackdown, the Metropolitan Command will roll out a two-phase operation:
- Awareness and Warning [Effective Immediately]
All vehicle owners are urged to inspect their vehicles. Those with mechanical defects, no brakes, missing lights, expired registration, or any unroadworthy condition are being told to remove their vehicles from the road and fix them.
“This is your chance to act before enforcement begins,” said Simatab.
2. Arrest and Penalties [To Begin Soon]
Simatab confirmed that all police personnel in NCD from senior officers to constables have been instructed to make a minimum of five arrests per month focused on traffic offences.
Each traffic offence will attract a K500 bail fee, as stipulated under the new Road Traffic Act. A driver caught with multiple violations could face thousands in bail costs.
“If an offender is charged with 10 different traffic offences, they will pay K5,000 in bail alone,” Simatab explained.
He warned that once Phase Two is in effect, officers will be expected to make up to five arrests per day as part of their enforcement duties.
“To every driver: respect the road, respect other people’s lives, and drive responsibly. Let’s work together to make our roads safer, cleaner, and less congested for everyone especially for our school children, working mothers, and elderly citizens,” Supt. Simatab said.
The public is being encouraged to use this warning period to comply, as police prepare to enforce traffic laws more aggressively across the city.