35 accidents and action against 653 individuals 7 days into new transport law with hefty fines

Police statistics show that 35 road accidents have been recorded since the implementation of the new Land Transport Act, which introduces hefty fines for traffic violations, whereas, during the same period, authorities have taken action against 653 individuals and towed 183 vehicles.

The amendments to the Land Transport Act, which grant expanded enforcement powers to the police, came into effect last Thursday, the first day of the month. The amended law introduces hefty fines for traffic violations, along with additional penalties for repeat offenders.

The Police told Sun that a significant number of vehicles have been towed and numerous individuals penalized during the seven days since the amended law came into force. To date, 183 vehicles have been towed and action has been taken against 653 individuals. However, police have yet to disclose the specific provisions of the law violated or the total amount collected in fines.

Although the amendments were primarily introduced to reduce dangerous road incidents, statistics published on the police website indicate that 35 accidents were recorded across the Maldives during the seven-day period alone.

The incidents include several serious accidents in the Greater Malé Area. Last Sunday, a motorcyclist was injured on Nirolhu Magu in Hulhumalé Phase I after colliding with the door of a parked pickup truck, which was opened unexpectedly. The following night, two motorcycles collided near the market area on Boduthakurufaanu Magu in Malé, injuring a young Maldivian man. The Police later revealed that one of the motorcycles was being operated by a Bangladeshi national who did not hold a valid driving license.

Additionally, a serious accident in Hulhumalé Phase II late last night left five people injured. While all five victims are receiving treatment at IGMH, the Police confirmed that one of the motorcycles, which was carrying three people at the time of the accident, was stolen and being driven by an individual without a valid license.

Under the new traffic regulations, driving without a valid license carries a fine of MVR 1,000 for a first offense, MVR 1,500 for a second offense, and MVR 2,000 for a third offense. The vehicle owner is also subject to a MVR 2,000 fine, while the vehicle may be impounded for 30 days. In cases where an individual is injured as a result of reckless or dangerous driving, the law provides for substantial fines ranging from MVR 100,000 to MVR 500,000.

The Greater Malé Area has witnessed a significant increase in serious road accidents, with a growing number of fatalities resulting from such incidents.