Mezam's New Motorbike Order: Safety Measure, Blessing To Security Forces Or Another Burden On Riders

   

By Raymond Dingana

A new prefectoral order restricting the number of passengers carried by commercial motorbike riders has taken effect in Mezam Division, North West Region of Cameroon. The order, signed on October 7 by the Senior Divisional Officer for Mezam, Simon Emile Mooh, prohibits motorbike riders from transporting more than one passenger at a time.

It also bans riders from wearing jackets that have not been approved by the municipal authorities. Simon Emile Mooh says the measures are aimed at improving public order and security in the division. However, the new restrictions have raised questions among some motorbike riders over their possible impact on their income, passengers and the way the order will be enforced.

Order Takes Immediate Effect

Article 1 of Prefectoral Order No. 567 states that the order takes effect from the date of signature. This means riders are expected to comply immediately, without a transition period to allow them to adjust to the new regulations.The immediate implementation could affect riders who depend on motorbike transportation as their main source of income.

It could also create difficulties for passengers travelling with people who require assistance, including patients, elderly persons or others who may need someone to accompany them during a journey.

Penalties Not Clearly Spelled Out

Article 2 states that anyone who violates the order will be punished in accordance with laws and regulations in force. However, the order does not specify the exact penalty for violating the new restrictions. It does not state the amount of any possible fine, whether a motorcycle could be seized or whether a rider could have their activities suspended. The lack of specific penalties could create uncertainty for riders and passengers, particularly during roadside checks.

Concerns Over Enforcement

The way the order will be enforced is also attracting attention among commercial motorbike riders, particularly over fears of possible extortion and harassment during roadside checks. Some riders have referred to their experiences during the COVID-19 period, when restrictions were imposed on public transportation and other activities. Some riders alleged at the time that they were forced to pay large sums for violating restrictions, though without being issued receipts. One amount cited by riders was as high as FCFA 30,000.

With the new order now in force, some riders are worried about whether enforcement at checkpoints will be transparent and whether official receipts will be issued for any penalties collected.

Possible Impact on Riders' Income

Commercial motorbike riders also fear that the passenger restriction could reduce their daily income. Previously, a rider could transport more than one passenger on a trip. Under the new order, only one passenger can be carried at a time. Some riders say this could force them to make more trips to transport the same number of passengers, increasing fuel consumption and operating costs.Others fear that reduced earnings could push some riders to increase transport fares. If that happens, passengers who depend heavily on motorbikes for transportation could also feel the impact.

Security Benefits and Public Safety

From a security perspective, restricting the number of passengers on motorbikes could make it easier for security officials to identify and monitor riders and passengers during checks. The requirement for riders to wear approved jackets could also make it easier to identify authorised commercial motorbike operators.The administration has not, however, provided detailed information on how the new requirements will be monitored or what specific penalties will apply to different violations.

The new motorbike order in Mezam Division could affect riders’ daily earnings and passenger fares, while creating challenges for vulnerable passengers. Its impact would depend largely on how authorities enforce the rules without also trampling on the rights of the population.

The Order

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