NATIONAL Capital District and Central Province Police Commander Benjamin Turi has directed police officers to arrest and charge PMV drivers who stage strikes that disrupt public movement and inconvenience commuters.
He said the recent PMV strike in Port Moresby had hindered the movement of people and was unacceptable, reminding operators that unlike private vehicle owners, they earn income to help offset rising fuel costs.
“All of us who own vehicles are suffering from the price hike. While standard vehicle owners spend money on fuel with no return, PMV operators earn income to help offset their fuel costs. Therefore, you must fulfill your responsibilities as PMV operators,” Commander Turi said.
Commander Turi said the increase in fuel prices is a global issue that affects everyone. He stated that Public Motor Vehicle (PMV) operators have rules and laws they must comply with when running their businesses.
He further noted that police officers across the city and Central Province have been instructed to monitor buses that go on strike or overcharge passengers, and to charge them accordingly.
He stated that police officers will impound non-compliant vehicles at the Eight Mile impound yard and, if additional offenses are identified, charge the drivers and crews accordingly.
He added that Road Traffic Authority (RTA) officers will work closely with the police to ensure those involved are fined appropriately.