The National Roads Safety Authority (NRSA) is set to introduce a mandatory towing subscription system for all vehicle owners as part of new road safety regulations.
This move, announced by NRSA Managing Director Abraham Amaliba, aims to address the growing concern over broken-down vehicles left unattended on major highways, causing severe traffic congestion and safety hazards.
Speaking in an interview, Amaliba explained that the proposed measure will be included in a new Legislative Instrument (L.I), which also covers the legalisation of commercial motorbike operations (Okada).
“There is a variant of the towing law that was introduced but was later suspended. The new development will ensure that vehicle owners must subscribe to a towing company or insurance”.
He clarified that the previous towing law faced concern over monopoly in fee collection, but the new system will allow vehicle owners to choose their towing service provider.
Amaliba warned that failure to comply with the new towing subscription system will result in penalties.
“They will require that when you fail to do that, the NRSA will come in and tow the vehicle, but you will be surcharged for that,”.
He believes this measure will significantly reduce the number of vehicles breaking down on roads without immediate assistance.
To ensure efficiency and fairness, Amaliba mentioned that, the NRSA will accredit certain towing service providers for road users to subscribe to.
“We will certify some towing services for road users to subscribe to”.
