MCAs to outlaw crossing roads with headphones on

By PATRICK BEJA

Mombasa, Kenya: It will soon be a traffic offense to cross roads in Mombasa while wearing headphones and on phone if legislation proposed by the Mombasa County Assembly is approved.

The MCAs are also seeking legislation to force motorists and pedestrians to strictly observe the use of zebra crossings to enhance safety on the roads.

Under the proposed legislation, boda boda operators would also be strictly policed including enforcing use of helmets and reasonable speed to check road carnage.

Motorists would also be required to respect pedestrians with disabilities particularly the blind as it has been observed that drivers and riders ignore the white cane.

Shanzu MCA and chair of Public Works committee Maimuna Mwawasi has introduced the road safety motion seeking sweeping reforms to reduce road accidents.

She argued that the consequences of using the communication devices while crossing the roads led to road accidents and even deaths.

“This House urges that measures be put in place to curb the menace and enhance safety on our roads and save lives,” read the motion.

Speaker Thadeus Rajwayi has directed that the motion be harmonized with the Traffic Act and be brought back to the House next Tuesday.

“The motion should be differed to Tuesday next week so that it is harmonised with the Traffic Act to avoid contradiction with national legislation,” Rajwayi said.