NTSA orders audit of public service vehicles over non-compliance

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has ordered all public service vehicles owners to conduct audits to ensure compliance with road regulations.

In a notice seen by the Star, NTSA said modifications in some commuter vehicles have flouted road regulations, and operators must make corrections immediately.

Failure to do this, the authority said action will be taken against vehicles that will be found non-compliant.

“All licensed Public Transport Operators are hereby directed to conduct an immediate and comprehensive audit of their fleets to ensure full compliance with the requirements of the Regulations.

“The Authority hereby gives notice that all Public Service Vehicle operators are required to take immediate corrective action, failure to which regulatory measures will be instituted at individual motor vehicle owner and operator level, including but not limited to vehicle impoundment, suspension and revocation of the license,” NTSA said.

The authority noted that a detailed Public Notice containing further directions to the Public Transport Operators is available and can be downloaded on the NTSA Website (www.ntsa.go.ke).

The move follows discovery of widespread non-compliance, especially in commuter Public Service Vehicles, where a notable number of vehicles have been modified through the application of graffiti and other unauthorised artistic enhancements.

NTSA said these modifications resulted in the inability to clearly 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.

“Such contraventions violate the letter and spirit of the regulations and undermine public confidence in the PSV sector by creating ambiguity as to the licensed operator.”

The authority further noted that a number of these motor vehicles have also failed to conspicuously display the official NTSA operational sticker or any other identifying mark issued by the Authority.

This, NTSA said, has rendered regulatory verification and enforcement ineffective.