14 Mar 2016

Parliament  on Friday March 11 adopted a motion calling for the introduction of tachograph speedometers in all public vehicles travelling long distances.

 Francistown West MP,  Mr Ignatius Moswaane argued when presenting the motion that the move would enhance safety in the public transport sector. 

MPs agreed with the legislator saying the increasing number of vehicles necessitated the use of technology to promote safety on roads.

For his part, the Vice President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi, said the transportation system should apply technology for monitoring and strategic purposes.

Mr Masisi, also Moshupa-Manyana MP, said the number of vehicles had ballooned leading to an increase in road accidents. 

“Botswana has one of the highest densities of vehicles per kilometre in Africa. Using the tachograph can assist in management of our transportation system and provide more accurate analysis on causes of road accidents,” Mr Masisi said when supporting the motion.

Nkange MP, Mr Edwin Batshu,  supported the motion saying the number of people dying in public transport accidents had been increasing.  

“Investigations usually show that these accidents are caused by high speed,” Mr Batshu said.

He agreed that tachograph devices should be installed on public transport and also called for harsh penalties on drivers that caused accidents because of high speed.

“The law should make it a requirement for public transport operators to install the tachograph devices in their vehicles,” he said.

MP for Shashe West, Mr Fidelis Molao said there was over speeding by public transport, hence the need to control the situation. 

MP for Lobatse, Advocate Sadique Kebonang said the device could not be manipulated, while the Specially Elected MP, Dr Unity Dow, felt that the use of tachograph devices should be limited to public transport only. 

She said its use on private vehicles would be a violation of privacy of individuals. ENDS