Record 89 129 traffic tickets issued countrywide in 2022
…Otjozondjupa and Oshana regions records highest figures
BY Michael Uugwanga
THE Namibian Police Force (NamPol) Traffic division issued a record 89 129 traffic tickets for various offenses to law breaking motorists says Head of Traffic Law Enforcement, Deputy Commissioner, Petrus Swartz.
Swartz also outlined that the Special Enforcement branch is working on a plan which will lead to the arrest of unruly motorists and curb recklessness on the roads this year.
Otjozondjupa Region (13 600) and Oshana Region (6 100) recorded the highest number in issued traffic tickets.
“Motorists were issued traffic tickets for different offences, chief amongst them were driver fitness, licencing and registration, speeding and not wearing seatbelts. When issuing traffic tickets we do not focus on gender or ages. What we have to put emphasise on is educating motorists who are using public roads. Sometimes we do not issue tickets randomly but we educate drivers on the offence they have committed and warn them,” Swartz said.
He also said that he was not aware of any past offenders who have been avoiding paying traffic fines, saying offenders have the right to approach the court if they feel they have been wrongly issued with a traffic ticket.
He therefore urged traffic offenders to adhere to the message given out by NamPol Inspector-General, Joseph Shikongo which called for those issued with fines to settle their fines before end of this month.
“I am not aware of people not paying their traffic fined. People are given a choice to approach the court if they think that they were unfairly issued traffic tickets. If they do not pay their traffic tickets then they end up committing two offences, warrant of arrest and contempt of court.
We are urging offenders to pay their traffic fined just as the Inspector-General encouraged them to settle their tickets fines by end of this month. Offenders should not wait for us to come after them,” Swartz said.
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