The Department of Road Safety has emphasized the need for revenue collectors to be actively involved in future road safety campaigns, following insights from its recent Christmas Road Safety campaign report.
The campaign, which aimed to tackle road traffic offences during the festive season, focused on addressing speeding, drunk driving, vehicle safety, and overall road user behavior through education and enforcement measures. While some progress was made, the report revealed gaps in compliance, particularly regarding overdue spot fines.
The Case for Revenue Collectors
According to the department’s findings, the inclusion of revenue collectors in road safety campaigns could enhance compliance with traffic laws and reduce the backlog of unpaid fines. The presence of revenue collectors would allow for immediate settlement of fines, making it easier for drivers to comply and deterring repeat offenses.
“The involvement of revenue collectors will streamline the enforcement process, ensuring that spot fines are paid promptly. This approach can help curb the growing number of overdue fines and promote accountability among road users,” the report noted.
Campaign Objectives and Challenges
The Christmas campaign had ambitious goals to:
- Reduce speeding and reckless driving.
- Address drunk driving incidents.
- Improve vehicle safety inspections.
- Educate road users on safe behavior.
While the campaign succeeded in raising awareness and conducting enforcement operations, challenges such as non-compliance with fines and repeat offenses persisted. The report highlights that without immediate enforcement mechanisms, such as revenue collectors, offenders are more likely to disregard fines, undermining the campaign’s impact.
Improving Road Safety Compliance
The department believes that the integration of revenue collection with road safety efforts will improve efficiency and enhance the overall effectiveness of campaigns. Other recommendations from the report include:
- Increasing the frequency of road safety campaigns throughout the year.
- Introducing stricter penalties for non-payment of spot fines.
- Enhancing collaboration between traffic enforcement agencies and the judiciary to fast-track unresolved cases.
A Step Forward
The recommendation to involve revenue collectors aligns with the department’s broader mission to create safer roads and reduce fatalities. By addressing the financial aspect of compliance, authorities hope to foster a culture of responsibility among drivers and ensure that road safety initiatives yield long-term benefits.
As preparations begin for future campaigns, stakeholders are optimistic that these measures will not only improve compliance but also significantly reduce road traffic offenses. The department has called for the support of all road users and relevant agencies to achieve safer roads for everyone.
