Fast lane: Why NTSA is determined to catch up with crooked cops

I was on the road on Monday when news broke that the National Transport and Safety Authority had introduced computer-enforced surveillance of our roads, and would issue instant fines for breaches.

I understand even those who stepped out to pass water by the roadside would be surcharged an “eco-levy,” being the fee to clean up the environment. The fines were going to be imposed on the spot, without the culprits being allowed to defend themselves.

As for the spots where cameras are located, that was going to remain a closely-guarded secret for fear of vandalism and the much-vaunted element of surprise. And as our people are wont to say, a trap can ensnare a prey and predator at the same time, it is understood that policemen and women on patrol were very apprehensive about having secret cameras.

But that’s only one aspect of the problem. The bigger challenge, it is emerging, is that our roads are thriving ecosystems, the only growth area in a contracting economy. With daily targets set by traffic police bosses on the take, their juniors work even harder to ensure they have a surplus for themselves and others.

We’re talking about food vendors and other “services” like roadside accommodation for day-long desserts, car cleaners, and mobile mitumba sellers. That’s what they call the multiplier effect. A shilling from the motorists passing through multiple hands.

Now, NTSA is threatening to disrupt all that and demand that all fines be paid on the phone, to one account, and possibly be diverted to fund campaigns in a few months. We must resist such a killjoy.