The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has threatened to suspend and revoke the licences of motorists found flouting traffic regulations.
This is after the Authority, in a notice dated Tuesday, May 27, expressed concerns over an increase in the number of motorists using modified graffiti and other unauthorised artistic enhancements on their vehicles.
NTSA noted that the use of graffiti and other artistic enhancements made its officers unable to identify the name of the SACCO or the company under which the vehicle operates.
According to the Authority, the use of the unauthorised artistic features also made it difficult for law enforcement officers to identify the continuous yellow line that distinguishes licensed Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) and other vehicles.
"The Authority has observed widespread non-compliance with these regulatory provisions, especially among commuter PSVs. A notable number of vehicles have been modified through the application of graffiti and other unauthorised artistic enhancements," NTSA revealed.
"This has resulted in the inability to identify the name of the SACCO or company under which the vehicle operates, its designated route, or the mandatory continuous yellow line that distinguishes licensed PSVs."
Furthermore, the Authority disclosed that most PSVs failed to conspicuously display their official NTSA operational sticker, which it claimed rendered regulatory verification and enforcement ineffective.
To address the matter, NTSA directed all PSV operators to conduct an immediate and comprehensive audit of their fleets to ensure full compliance with the requirements of the regulations.
In the directive, the Authority warned that failure to heed the order would attract harsh measures, including vehicle impoundment, suspension and revocation of the operation licence.
"The Authority hereby gives notice that all Public Service Vehicle operators are required to take immediate corrective action," NTSA directed motorists.
"Failure to which regulatory measures will be instituted at the individual motor vehicle owner and operator level, including but not limited to vehicle impoundment, suspension and revocation of the license," it added.
The latest directive comes barely two months after the Authority suspended the popular commuter bus company, Super Metro, over non-compliance with traffic regulations.
The NTSA suspended Super Metro's operation licence on March 20, and it directed Kenyans not to use the company vehicles until they fully complied with the Public Service Vehicle Regulations.
This was after a detailed inspection of the company's fleet and operation revealed multiple breaches of traffic and safety regulations.
