GTU urged to sensitize drivers on their rights regarding renewal of licenses
Commercial drivers have urged the Gambia Transport Union to take the bold step in sensitizing them on their rights, stating that drivers’ right are been violated in the traffic on aware.
These developments came through as drivers expressed dismay to the Inspector General of Police for the yearly renewal of the driving license, contradicting the constitution which stated 3 years.
Speaking toVOD,MomodouJallowurged the GTU to sensitize drivers on their rights that a lot of drivers’ rights are violated in the traffic but they don’t know. He took an example of himself, adding that he never knew that licenses are renewed after every 3 years instead of 1 year which is a violation of rights and that most of the drivers don’t know what was stated in the constitution.
“It is sad that I have to pay a license every year when the law says 3 yrs. Why do they collect the money of the citizens over their selfish interest? This government and its people are making life difficult for the citizens in all aspects” he complained.
DibbaSaidy, a taxi driver complained that the police always take advantage of the drivers by putting up their own laws with regards to early license renewal. “Drivers face a lot of challenges in the traffic especially when the year ends. Some of the police don’t have patience and they put charges on us unnecessarily,” he complained.
Saidy further disclosed with discomfort saying that when I was applying for the first time, I paid D2500, but some paid D2000 and yearly, I pay D850 for my license renewal. Thus, it is not expensive, but considering the situation of our country’s economy, you don’t expect drivers to have cash immediately when the year ends to renew their license.”
In the same vein,Ya Awa Sanneh, also expressed dismay with the Gambia law system saying there are too many human right violations going on in the country and the drivers are amongst those facing the worst of all.
“Imagine private cars turning to commercial cars just to make some earning because of traffic corruption and the continuous issue of fuel in the country. A lot of regulations need to be put in place and drivers should know their rights as it is stated in the constitution,” she said.
She further disclosed that the Law officials should be accountable for the violation of drivers’ rights over the issue of license renewal. “I therefore challenged the government of The Gambia to put up a strict investigation regarding the renewal of licenses in the country.”
