RTSA Act

...Suspend Juldan Motorways' operating License suspended over fatal accidents and safety violations

By Francis Maingaila 

Lusaka, Zambia24 - (Thursday, November 14, 2024) - The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) has announced the suspension of Juldan Motorways' operating license for three months following multiple violations of road safety regulations. This decision comes after an extensive investigation revealed serious safety breaches, including two fatal accidents involving the company, raising significant concerns about passenger safety.

RTSA Director and CEO, Eng. Amon Mweemba, addressed the ongoing challenges in road safety in Zambia, citing alarming statistics that highlight the need for stricter enforcement. Mweemba began by discussing Zambia’s rising road traffic fatality rate, which averages over 2,000 deaths annually—equating to about five deaths each day. He pointed out that road traffic accidents cost the country nearly 4.7% of its GDP every year. Human error remains a leading cause, with speeding, reckless driving, and a general failure to follow road safety protocols contributing significantly to these statistics.

The suspension of Juldan Motorways was triggered by an investigation into two fatal accidents. The investigation revealed that, in the case of the October 15, 2024 crash, the driver had violated rest period laws by not taking sufficient time off before operating the vehicle. 

Similarly, a fatal accident in July 2024 was linked to excessive speeding and unsafe overtaking. In response to these violations, the RTSA took immediate action by suspending the company’s operating license. The suspension will remain in effect until Juldan Motorways addresses these safety issues and ensures compliance with road safety regulations.

Mweemba also highlighted the growing concern of preventable accidents in Zambia. 

He referred to a deadly crash in Chisamba and a high-profile incident involving footballers on the Zambezi-Chavuma road, both of which were attributed to human error. These incidents were linked to drivers failing to observe speed limits and disregard for basic traffic regulations.

Juldan Motorways, a leading intercity bus operator in Zambia, was found to have neglected several key safety measures, including poor vehicle maintenance, failure to adhere to speed limits, inadequate driver training, and reports of reckless driving and overcrowding by passengers. The RTSA confirmed that the suspension will remain in place until the company addresses these issues and complies with all regulatory requirements. Once the company has made the necessary improvements, it may apply for the potential reinstatement of its operating license.

In an effort to combat reckless driving, the RTSA introduced the Demerit Point System in August 2024. This new system penalizes traffic offenders by deducting points from their driving records. If a driver accumulates too many points, their license may be suspended or revoked.

As the festive season approaches, Mweemba urged road users, including both commercial operators and private motorists, to be particularly cautious. He emphasized that traffic volumes are expected to rise, making it all the more important for road users to comply with safety regulations. To strengthen enforcement, the RTSA has deployed additional teams to high-risk areas, including Lusaka, the Copperbelt, and Central Provinces, where traffic law enforcement will be intensified.

“The RTSA is committed to ensuring the safety of all road users. We will continue to work closely with transport operators, enforce road safety measures, and educate the public on the importance of safe driving,” Mweemba concluded.

He further emphasized that the suspension of Juldan Motorways is a part of the RTSA’s broader initiative to improve road safety throughout Zambia. The agency’s aim is not only to address individual company violations but to ensure that all transport companies are in full compliance with national safety protocols. The RTSA has called on other transport operators to take immediate action to adhere to safety regulations, urging them to avoid similar penalties by ensuring compliance with the rules.