The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) says it is saddened by the increase of drunk driving and unlicensed drivers, among others related traffic offences, which are the leading cause of accidents in Zambia.

And RTSA has warned that it will not relent in its efforts to enforce the law to ensure that road users adhere to traffic rules and regulations.

In a statement on Saturday, RTSA public relations manager Mukela Mangolwa stated that bad road behaviour continued to cause road traffic accidents in the country.

“The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) has expressed concern at the high number of unlicensed drivers and those driving under the influence of alcohol, contrary to section 56 and section 157 respectively of the Road Traffic Act No. 11 of 2002 respectively. This came to light following the festive period traffic law enforcement operations carried out countrywide by a combined team of RTSA and Zambia Police, where 210 motorists were impounded for driving without licences. Additionally, during the same operation, 207 motorists were charged for driving under the influence of alcohol,” he stated.

“Further a total of 1,360 motorists were also charged during the operation for various road traffic offences which included 355 motorists for expired road tax, 677 motorists for exceeding speed limits and 120 motorists for plying for hire and reward. Bad road behaviour continues to be the leading contributing factor to road traffic accidents in Zambia.”

Mangolwa warned road users to adhere to traffic regulations at all times.

“The RTSA has however, assured members of the public that it will not relent in its efforts to enforce the law in a bid to have a cadre of road users that adhere to traffic rules and regulations in a bid to reduce road accidents. The Agency further wishes to reiterate its appeal to road users to follow traffic regulations at all times,” stated Mangolwa.