Motorists fear police abuse as officers tasked to raise K22bn

There’s a significant ripple of concern spreading among motorists nationwide. The reason? A new directive assigning our traffic police an ambitious K22 billion revenue target for the upcoming 2026/27 financial year. This isn’t just a number; it’s sparking fears of unprecedented pressure on the roads, potentially leading to a host of problems for everyday drivers.

Critics are sounding the alarm, warning that such a hefty collection goal – which represents a staggering 88 percent of the K25 billion total – could inadvertently foster an environment where heavier fines, more aggressive enforcement, and even corruption become more prevalent. The logic is simple: when officers are tasked with meeting such an ambitious target, the incentive to issue tickets and collect revenue might overshadow the primary objective of ensuring road safety and fair law enforcement.

Drivers are already expressing a palpable sense of unease, anticipating a shift in how traffic regulations are applied. The worry is that minor infractions, or even disputable ones, could be met with an overly zealous approach, all in the pursuit of hitting that K22 billion mark. This situation raises critical questions about public trust, the role of law enforcement, and the potential for ordinary citizens to be unduly burdened by what could be perceived as a revenue-driven rather than safety-driven agenda.

As authorities push to meet these ambitious collection goals, it’s crucial for oversight bodies to ensure that the pursuit of revenue doesn’t compromise the principles of justice and fairness on our roads. Motorists deserve clarity and assurance that their safety, and not their wallets, remains the top priority.

Source: Original Article