Member of Parliament David Dias Ximenes has called on the Transport Police (POLTRANS) to continue controlling traffic flow on Dili streets, as many drivers do not abide by traffic signal directions.
The Commission B president (security, defence and foreign affairs) said drivers frequently flouted traffic laws.
“They race through, despite the fact the lights are yellow which can be dangerous for pedestrians and other motorists,” he said.
“Many times we see people walking across pedestrian crossings but the vehicles do not stop for them.
“They do not know what the green, red and yellow lights mean.”
He asked POLTRANS to take action.
“Fine those who commit traffic violations so people are aware of the rules,” he said
Mateus Fernandes said community members do not have sufficient knowledge about traffic lights.
“Traffic accidents mainly happen on pedestrian crossings and at roundabouts,” he said.
“Therefore, we ask for the traffic police to stay on the streets to control bad drivers.”
PNTL superintendent Armando Monteiro said both POLTRANS and the National Directorate for Transport and Land were working to make people aware of traffic rules.
“We started to socialize these laws in 2006 when the laws were approved,” he said.
“We began at the national and sub-district level and now we are working at the village and sub-village level.”
Schools students were also receiving information about the laws, and it is hoped they will pass this on to their parents.
