LAW enforcement authorities in Mbeya City have in the past six months suspended the driving licences of 42 passenger bus drivers after being found guilty of breaching road safety regulations.

SSP Notker Kilewa, commander of the regional road safety unit, made this announcement at a press conference yesterday after a predawn inspection of buses at the city’s main terminal ahead of their scheduled departures.

The actions are part of ongoing efforts to reduce road traffic accidents and improve safety for all road users, he said, pointing at reckless driving, thus the need to prevent unnecessary road crashes,

The disciplinary action follows findings that the drivers had committed serious road safety violations, including speeding, overtaking in prohibited areas and driving under the influence of alcohol while on duty, he stated.

“From January to June 2025, a total of 42 drivers have already had their licence suspended due to traffic violations. The police force will not hesitate to take action against anyone found endangering the lives of passengers and other road users,” he specified.

Inspections involved checking the mechanical systems of buses, conducting alcohol breath tests for drivers and ensuring that each long-distance journey had the required number of drivers per route specifications, he explained.

The police will be intensifying operations to apprehend road traffic offenders, especially those involved in high-risk behaviours such as over-speeding and dangerous overtaking in prohibited zones.

“Beyond arrests, we are here to educate and remind drivers to obey road safety regulations voluntarily, avoid risky practices and refrain from overloading passengers,” he said.

He stressed that most road accidents are caused by driver negligence so drivers must refrain from reckless conduct when sitting behind the wheel, he emphasized, intoning that drivers found violating regulations would face strict legal proceedings like revoking their licences and court charges.

He appealed to bus owners to conduct routine vehicle maintenance to prevent mechanical failures that can lead to accidents, as any vehicle found to be less than roadworthy will be grounded.

Rajabu Ghuliku, chairperson of the regional road safety committee, called on drivers and conductors to uphold passenger rights by providing safe, reliable and respectful transport services.

“Drivers must ensure passengers reach their destinations safely. Quality service delivery is what keeps customers returning, which in turn secures drivers’ livelihoods,” he said.

Prosper Kilongo, speaking for the drivers, commended the recent improvements, saying that speeding incidents have declined significantly thanks to the vehicle tracking systems

DCP Fraisser Kashai, head of the road safety unit at police headquarters who also participated in the inspection, oversaw verifying driver licences, conducting breathalyser tests, inspecting bus conditions and issuing road safety instructions to bus crew and passengers.

“Every driver is expected to adhere to discipline and respect for the law. Those who fail to do so will face strict penalties without exception,” he declared.

Shaban Mdende, the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) regional manager, remarked that VTS is fitted in long distance passenger buses, enabling LATRA to identify any violations even while buses are in transit.

“Of the 42 drivers whose licences have been suspended, 26 were flagged through the VTS as it monitors driving patterns like speeding or other risky behaviours,” he added.