Motorcycle operators want dialogue

Motorcycle and Bicycles Association of Malawi has urged police to hold discussions with cyclists to resolve the former’s traffic regulations defiance issues.

A couple of months ago government gave motorcycle operators up to October this year to register their motorcycles, procure helmets, get licences, avoid overloading and stop operating in central business districts of the country’s cities.

However, after the expiry of the grace period many operators continued to defy the traffic regulations, which led police to start impounding motorcycles.

The law enforcement exercise saw some motorcycle taxi operators in Lilongwe on Thursday holding parades and storming police to express their grievances.

The operators felt the impounding of the motorcycles was targeting the motorcycle taxi business.

In an interview, Motorcycle and Bicycles Association of Malawi president Michael Mkumba said the association appreciates the need to enforce the law to protect lives, but said there is need for dialogue with the operators, to appreciate their challenges and map the way forward in resolving the issue of defiance.

Mkumba said the two months that government gave the operators to resolve their issues were not enough.

He argued that business has not been favourable to enable motorists to register their motorcycles, insure them, or even for the operators to process licences.

“The money that most of these people make is just enough to buy food for the family and meet other domestic needs,” said Mkumba.

He said the operators need atleast six months to look into those issues, further fearing that impounding the motorcycles will only worsen the operators’ economic situation.

Malawi Police Service spokesperson James Kadadzera did not pick up his phone when called for comment. But Lilongwe Police spokesperson Joseph Kachikho said the impounding of motorcycles is not targeting taxi operators, but every motorcycle operator who does not comply with the regulations.

He said police traffic officers will continue to ensure that all motorcycles are registered, carrying capacity is observed, operators are licensed, and are wearing helmets.

“Even government motorcycles are being impounded if they do not meet the requirements. So, it is not just about those operating as motorcycle taxis,” he said.