Управление дорожного транспорта Папуа-Новой Гвинеи обещает искоренить коррупцию и повысить прозрачность работы инспекторов

The Road Traffic Authority responds to The National’s editorial on Tuesday, Aug 11. The authority also recognises that institutional credibility is critical. The Road Traffic Authority (RTA) acknowledges the editorial published by The National on Tuesday, entitled “Road safety must not be an afterthought”. Road safety is definitely not an afterthought. It is the core function and business of RTA. From road safety awareness to all; issuance of safety stickers by authorised inspection station; registration of roadworthy vehicles under various categories for passengers and freight; issuance of driver licenses of various classes; and road checks by our traffic enforcement officers, the primary focus, core function and business of RTA is to ensure safety for all on our roads. The authority welcomes the continued public and media attention being given to road safety in Papua New Guinea. The loss of lives through preventable road crashes is a matter of serious national concern, and RTA accepts that effective enforcement, institutional integrity and public confidence are essential to improving road safety outcomes. However, RTA considers it important to clarify several matters raised in the editorial, particularly concerning roadside enforcement, payment practices, and the conduct of enforcement officers. Cashless enforcement and electronic funds transfer at point of sale facilities (Eftpos) The authority has taken deliberate steps to reduce cash handling during enforcement activities and address the risks associated with officers receiving payments directly from motorists. Eftpos machines have been issued to RTA enforcement teams and are currently in use. This forms part of the authority’s broader effort to strengthen financial accountability, improve transparency and progressively move enforcement-related transactions towards secure and traceable payment arrangements. The authority therefore wishes to make clear that there is an established mechanism intended to minimise the handling of cash by enforcement personnel. Zero tolerance for unauthorised cash collection RTA nevertheless acknowledges that despite these controls, there continues to be instances of leakage and misconduct involving individual officers who fail to comply with established procedures. The authority does not seek to conceal or defend such conduct. Any officer who solicits, receives or collects cash outside approved RTA payment procedures acts contrary to the instructions of management and undermines both the integrity of the authority and the confidence of the travelling public. Clear management directives have been issued that officers found collecting unauthorised cash from motorists will be dealt with decisively in accordance with applicable disciplinary processes. Where misconduct is substantiated and warrants dismissal, termination of employment will follow. RTA will not allow the misconduct of individual officers to compromise the important work undertaken by the many officers who perform their duties professionally and lawfully. Public assistance and reporting The fight against corruption and misconduct cannot be addressed by institutional controls alone. Public cooperation is equally important. RTA therefore appeals to motorists, public transport operators, freight operators and the public not to participate in or facilitate unauthorised cash transactions with enforcement officers. RTA gives its assurance that credible reports of misconduct will be treated seriously and acted upon immediately. Strengthening Enforcement and Institutional Integrity RTA agrees with the editorial that road safety enforcement must be professional, transparent, visible and consistent. The authority is strengthening its enforcement arrangements alongside broader reforms aimed at improving road transport regulation, digital systems, financial accountability, officer discipline and customer service. Enforcement cannot simply be about establishing roadblocks. It must contribute to safer vehicles, safer drivers, compliance with road transport laws and ultimately the protection of human life. The authority also recognises that institutional credibility is critical. Every inappropriate interaction between an enforcement officer and a motorist has the potential to damage public confidence in RTA. For this reason, management is strengthening accountability at both supervisory and individual officer levels. Road safety is a shared responsibility RTA accepts the central message of The National’s editorial: road safety must never be an afterthought. At the same time, achieving safer roads requires shared responsibility. Government must provide appropriate institutional and enforcement capacity; RTA must effectively discharge its regulatory mandate; enforcement officers must demonstrate integrity and professionalism; transport operators must comply with safety requirements; drivers must obey the law; and members of the public must refuse to participate in corrupt practices and report misconduct when it occurs. The authority appreciates the role of the media in bringing road safety and institutional accountability into public discussion. Constructive scrutiny assists RTA in identifying weaknesses and strengthening its systems. RTA therefore welcomes the concerns raised by The National and assures the board, Government and the people of Papua New Guinea that the authority remains committed to strengthening road safety enforcement and maintaining the highest possible standards of accountability. Our message to our enforcement officers is equally clear: serve professionally, enforce the law fairly and protect the integrity of the authority. Unauthorised collection of cash will not be tolerated. Our message to the public is simple: if an officer asks you for an unauthorised cash payment, do not pay – report it. RTA will act.