Parliament Committee Summons Traffic Police Over Rising Road Accidents

The Maldives Parliament's Judiciary Committee has decided to summon the Traffic Police to the committee, amid a recent increase in accident-related cases. The motion to summon the Traffic Police was submitted at today's committee meeting by Ibrahim Nazil, Member of Parliament for the Hithadhoo South constituency. It was supported by Muhammad Shaheed, MP for the Addu Hulhudhoo constituency, and Ismail Nizar, MP for the Feydhoo constituency. The decision was passed unanimously by the committee. Speaking in the committee, Member Nazil said many challenges have to be faced in setting land transport policies, and that efforts must be made to reduce accidents and strengthen matters related to land transport. He said driving contrary to regulations is one reason accidents occur. "Even if someone drives on the wrong side of the road, the traffic police officer standing on the road does not take note. That is the situation. If the traffic police officer cannot reprimand them accordingly, then it is a problem," Member Nazil said. Other committee members who spoke alongside Nazil said that not complying with laws paves the way for accidents. The members noted that the government is currently taking many measures to ensure road safety and security, and said strict measures must be taken against those who drive dangerously and fail to take personal responsibility. The Maldives Police Service has launched special efforts to stop those who repeatedly drive vehicles on the road in a dangerous manner, creating fear among the public, and to take strict action against them.