Maldives Police Service (MPS) stated that it can no longer adequately penalise speeding vehicles due to recent amendments made to the regulations by the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation.
The transport ministry has amended the regulations that allow vehicles to be seized for speeding. The regulations previously stated that if an individual drives faster than the speed limit, they will be fined the first two times. If the individual repeats the offense for the third time, the MPS has the power to seize the vehicle for 15 days. If any penalty is payable, the vehicle will not be released until an agreement is drawn up to pay the penalty. However, the transport ministry amended the regulations in January this year allowing the vehicle to be released within 48 hours without such an agreement.
Speaking to PSM News, Head of Response and Patrol of MPS Ibrahim Khaleel said that the main cause of accidents in the Greater Male' Region in the last four years is speeding. He, however, said that the transport ministry has amended the regulations so that no major action can be taken against those who drive dangerously and at high speed.
The transport ministry stated other agencies and institutions should also cooperate and provide assistance to the MPS to ensure road safety. International reports on this subject have also noted that results in major issues such as traffic management can only be achieved through a concerted effort by all institutions.