NTSA rolls out speed cameras and new rules for long-distance drivers

The National Transport and Safety Authority has added road surveillance and issued new directives ahead of the festive season, as crashes rise.

What happened

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has installed speed and surveillance cameras at strategic locations along major roads and highways to strengthen traffic enforcement and curb rising road accidents [1]. The cameras are linked to a National Command and Control Centre and are expected to allow real-time monitoring of traffic violations and automated detection of offences [1]. Separately, NTSA issued fresh directives to long-distance public service vehicle (PSV) operators in a statement on Wednesday, November 4 [2].

Why Kenyans are searching for it

The sources do not say why people are searching for 'driving'. They do link the measures to the festive season, when traffic volumes traditionally rise and passenger demand increases [1][2].

Key facts

• Cameras: Installed on major roads and highways to detect offences automatically [1].
• Two drivers: Long-distance PSV operators are directed to deploy two drivers on every trip to reduce fatigue, which NTSA identifies as a major cause of crashes [2].
• Other causes named: NTSA lists overspeeding, reckless overtaking and drunk driving as major causes of crashes [2].
• Driver rules: Drivers should not overspeed, should keep speed limiters functional, must hold valid licences, should ensure passengers wear seatbelts, and should avoid forcing smaller vehicles off the road [2].
• Operator documents: Operators should keep passenger manifests, driver logs and valid vehicle inspection stickers [2].
• Children: According to NTSA's Jacob Sisey, parents and guardians should supervise children during the long school holiday, and underage learners should not drive vehicles or operate boda bodas [1].
• Enforcement elsewhere: According to [3], an inter-agency team detained 13 vehicles in a Southern Bypass safety crackdown over drink-driving, expired documents and defects including broken windscreens.

What to watch

Motorists on long-distance routes, including journeys from Nairobi to Western Kenya, are likely to be affected by the directives [2]. Sisey has asked motorists to check that vehicles are roadworthy and that documents are in order before setting off [1]. The sources do not report how the cameras or directives will be enforced in practice, or whether crash figures have changed.

Sources

1. [1] Highways under watch as NTSA rolls out speed cameras - The Star, Kenya
2. [2] NTSA Issues Fresh Directives to Long-Distance PSV Drivers, Operators - Kenyans.co.ke
3. [3] 13 Vehicles Impounded in Southern Bypass Safety Crackdown - Dawan Africa

Compiled by the NairobiCity trend desk from the sources above.