The National Traffic Police seized 26 government cars in July, because they did not follow government regulations or were driven for private use.
The National Traffic Police Commander, Chief Inspector Antonio L.C. Soares said some of the cars were seized because they were used for shopping and some because they did not have permission from the relevant ministry to use the car on the weekend.
“We held the operation in two areas, first in Tasi Tolu and again in Becora, and some people were found driving cars without a licence, some without a permission card and others were using the car for their own private interests,” said Commander Soares in Kaikoli, Dili.
He added the seized cars came from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Tourism and the Public Prosecutor.
“They must pay a fine, from $9 up to $45,” Commander Soares said.
He said the National Traffic Police seized the cars based on a resolution from the Prime Minister.
On the other hand, Member of Parliament Francisco Branco said this was the duty of the police and they did their job well.
“But it’s not just the responsibility of the police, the government should also be assertive and should make people aware they have to comply with the rules they set,” said MP Branco.
On the other hand, Leonel Gomes, as a member of the community, said sometimes people drive government cars on Saturdays and Sundays but the community didn’t know if they were used for work or private interests.
“The police must enforce the rules they’ve made,” Gomes said.
