Maria David
JOINT interventions from the Roads Authority, NAMPOL, MVA Fund, and other stakeholders in the road safety activation at Oshiko Roadblock showcased an overall positive compliance rate of 94 percent. This was revealed by Sidney Boois, Executive Officer for Transportation, on Thursday, stating that the focus on tyre safety and vehicle testing highlighted areas for improvement, ensuring safer road conditions.
During the activation, the team examined 10 vehicles, focusing on tyre pressure. Of these, 50 percent of vehicles complied with tyre pressure requirements, with non-compliance attributed to unbalanced pressure and foreign language specifications. Boois mentioned that 80 percent of the tyres checked were found to be within the 5-year production date. Drivers were educated on checking tyre production dates before purchasing. Additionally, 80 percent of vehicles passed the tyre tread check, with 20 percent advised to replace worn-out tyres, and there was 90 percent compliance with number plate regulations.
“The vehicles examined were 60 percent sedans, with the rest being light delivery vehicles, SUVs, and buses. The majority of drivers were males aged 35-44,” he said.
Boois added that the vehicles were also tested on the Mobile Vehicle Testing Station (MVTS) for wheel alignment, brakes, oil, and water leakages. Of these, 40 percent of vehicles failed the test/screening.
Further, Boois indicated that 160 vehicles were inspected, of which 90 were trucks, ten vehicles on Cross-Border Permits, 20 vehicles on mass distance charges (MDC), 27 passenger vehicles, 13 heavy vehicles, and 31 of the drivers screened for alcohol showed 0.00 readings (100% compliance).
A total amount of N$8,000 for summonses were issued for various violations such as one lamp, two number plates, one sounding device, one failure to carry a driver’s license, one failure to carry a fire extinguisher, one roadworthiness, one missing information plate, and two tyre conditions.
Boois indicated that the overall compliance rate for the activation was 94 percent, with a non-compliance rate.
Moreover, continuous education and enforcement efforts were recommended to sustain and improve on road safety performance.
