On daily basis, innocent lives are lost in addition to a significant amount of materials that get lost as well. There is no denying that it is the responsibility of the government to implement the traffic laws in letter and spirit.
From worn-out tryes, faulty or non-functional brakes to other mechanical problems, most cars are prone to accidents due to their dilapidated condition. This in turn puts passengers’ lives at risk.
The Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure with support from the World Bank under the Gambia Infrastructure Project (GIP) recently validated the draft Road Transport Bill 2025.
This is part of a broader strategy to introduce updated regulations that enhance road safety and align with international best practices.
In addition, this Bill seeks to address the legislative gaps in the current Motor Traffic Act of 1948 and incorporate best practices to enhance safety and improve efficiency in the road transport sub-sector.
It is sad that the current the current legislative transport framework, which is the Motor Traffic Act, has been in place since 1948 and no longer reflects the evolving dynamic challenges and changes in the transport sector. The ever-increasing dynamics taking shape in the country’s road and transport sectors call for an overhaul and putting in place stringent and new legislation to meet the growing demand.
Remember that road transport is the backbone of national connectivity, economic development and social development.
On daily basis, a lot of our goods and services in the country are actually transported using our roads.
Thus, it is high time police enforce strict rules to ensure public safety and wellbeing. The rules should apply on everyone, irrespective of their profession, tribal affiliation and influence. When it comes to traffic rules, indiscrimination not only reduces traffic accidents and builds good image of the country, but also generate revenues from fines.
Let’s do away with the blame game and current status-quo regarding high privilege accorded to some political elites even if they commit traffic blunders. This is compounding; adding more problems and at last the Police gets the blame for not exercising the rule of law.
However, we must commend The Gambia Police Force for its continuous clampdown on stunt driving and careless driving in the country.
This carefree attitude of negligent driving is doing more harm than good on our roads. We can’t let it continue.
Ensuring safety on road should be a collective call. That should not be only left to the police. If you see any obstruction or acts that are detrimental to public safety, call the police.
We equally commend media for their commitment in publishing such images for police to act.
As the Fourth Estate in any thriving democracy, we should always educate the public to stop drivers from violating traffic rules.
Already, in some media outlets, there is ongoing awareness forum dedicated to road safety and this is great. Together, we can create a situation where no commuter will think twice when leaving his or her house. It is not magic; we can do it, provided there is change of attitude.