To end corruption in traffic management …

ACC calls for implementation of Kingtom Communique

As part of its commitment to address the persistent levying of accusations of corruption against the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and Traffic Warden Corps, the Public Education Department of the Anti- Corruption Commission on Wednesday 6^th April, 2016 urged stakeholders in the traffic and road safety management in the southern region to implement the KINGTOM COMMUNIQUE.

The Kingtom Communiqué on Ending Corruption in Traffic and Road Safety Management was signed on the 7^th March, 2016 by stakeholders in the management of Traffic and Road safety, including the SLP, Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), Driver’s Union, Bike Riders Union, Passenger Welfare Association, Anti- Corruption Commission and the Independence Police Complaints Board.

Delivering on the importance of the Kingtom Communiqué, the Regional Manager, Mr. Samuel Marah, highlighted the numerous reports from the public regarding incidences of bribery at check points, unregistered bikes and vehicles and unlicensed drivers and overloading as some of the complaints mostly reported by the public.

The Regional Manager also reminded the audience of previous research reports by Transparency International and other credible institutions that have also lamented on the seriousness of corruption in the traffic sector, he stressed.

Mr. Marah informed the stakeholders of the Pay No Bribe project which he said will soon commence and will target five institutions including the SLP.

In his presentation, the Public Education Officer, Mr. Joseph M. Hazeley, made it clear to the audience the content of the Kingtom Communiqué specifically the five key recommendations which are as follows:-

(1) That the Sierra Leone Police (SLP )and the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority( SLRSA) will work with key stakeholders to segregate minor traffic offences for warning from serious traffic offences for litigation. This will be publicized in the shortest possible time for the attention of all road users; .
(2) that the SLP and SLRSA and the Independent Police Complaint Board and other key stakeholders raise public awareness regarding Section 87 (6) of the Road Traffic Act 2007 which states: “Where a person is required under this section to produce a license or a certificate or any other document relevant to driving a motor vehicle or motor cycle, the person shall produce it immediately or within twenty-four hours of being so required;
(3) That traffic police officers and traffic warden corps are forbidden to collect any form of an advantage either in the form of a bribe, gift or token in the conduct of their duties
(4) In the above regard, the public particularly drivers and bike riders, are admonished to desist from offering any form and/or kind of advantage to officers of the law, noting that such actions violate Section 28(8) of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008;
(5) As a follow-up to ongoing efforts to reduce the presence of personnel at check points, stakeholders encouraged Government to consider the reinstatement of traffic lights.

Stakeholders agreed that further consultations will be held to address a number of other issues related to the above.

Mr. Hazeley further encouraged all stakeholders to ensure the full implementation of the recommendations in the communiqués.

The stakeholders in the traffic sector thanked the commission for taking this very important step for sensitizing them on the recommendations in the Communiqué although there are bottlenecks regarding licensing of vehicles and registration by the SLRSA.

Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!