The Motorists Association of Kenya has called for the construction of new highways and lanes that will strictly be used by heavy trucks.
In a statement on Sunday, October 5, the association said that the construction of these new routes will be vital in reducing traffic congestion, maintaining roads, and reducing the number of road accidents.
According to the association, many motorists have lost their lives in accidents involving trucks, either in head-on collisions while overtaking or when fatigued truck drivers lose control of their vehicles.
"Goods-in-transit trailers primarily handle cross-border haulage and pay substantial tolls and taxes to the government. Yet, these heavy vehicles share the same roads with local traffic, contributing to congestion, faster road deterioration, and an alarming rise in fatal crashes," MAK stated.
"Is it time we reconsider their movement by constructing dedicated lanes or separate highways for long-haul trucks- developing them gradually, a kilometre at a time, using just a fraction of the substantial levies they already pay?" it added.
Acknowledging the heavy taxes and tolls these drivers pay, the association has challenged the government to disclose how much revenue it generates monthly from these trailers and use it to construct these roads.
This comes a month after the association called for the cancellation of licences of truck drivers who do not adhere to road safety regulations, by committing offences that endanger the lives of other motorists.
According to the MAK Chairman, Peter Murima, in a statement on Sunday, August 24, claimed the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) should also take action against fleet managers and drivers who fail to take their vehicles for inspections and servicing, which he noted are key contributors to the rising rates of road mishaps in the country.
Murima, on the other hand, claimed that truck drivers should stand their ground and ensure that they call out their fleet managers whenever concerns about a vehicle go unaddressed.
NTSA should also direct fleet drivers to create an in-house code of conduct, such that if a driver commits an offence contrary to the code of conduct and the company fails to take action against him, the authority can take action against the whole company, according to MAK.
"There are some instances when NTSA cancels a driver's licence for six months. through the court process, but when you even look in other countries, you find that the licences of such drivers are cancelled completely," Murima said.
"When you are driving a commercial vehicle, unlike a private vehicle, you are supposed to be very responsible on the road, especially during a time when there is an increase in Kenyans losing their lives from truck incidents along major roads," he added.
