Vice President Faisal Naseem has stated all road users have a role to play in ensuring road safety. He made the remarks while speaking at the ceremony held to awards badges and certificates to 90 students who completed the Traffic Monitors Programme.
Speaking at the ceremony, Vice President Faisal Naseem said despite the small size of the Maldives, the road accidents that occur in the country are large and serious in nature. The vice president said the responsibility of keeping roads safe do not solely lie on traffic police, noting no amount of police officers would be enough to prevent road accidents if the road users are reckless. He urged the public to comply with road safety regulations and ensure that roads are safe for all.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Education Dr. Aishath Ali said the Traffic Monitors’ Programme shows that school environments are evolving to ensure students are taught all the skills they need in a society. She noted the work of school students along with the traffic police to maintain road safety is an encouraging sign for the future.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed stated Maldives Police Service (MPS) is undertaking several efforts to ensure roads are safe for the public. He noted the formation of the Traffic Wing under the new Police Service Act paves the way for better coordination in maintaining traffic and road safety.
The Traffic Monitors Programme seeks to ensure students are aware of traffic regulations and road safety practices. Since the introduction of the programme in 2014, over 1,450 students have been trained across the country.