Police have intensified the fight against dangerous loading after 11 commuter taxi drivers were intercepted and arrested during a night operation at Maya checkpoint along the Masaka Highway.
The operation was carried out through intelligence-led enforcement after authorities discovered that some drivers were deliberately operating at night to avoid traffic checks and continue carrying passengers beyond the legally allowed limits.
The arrested drivers were detained and are expected to appear in court at the appropriate time to answer charges under the Traffic and Road Safety Act, Cap. 347.
Police said dangerous loading remains one of the common traffic offences, especially during night hours when some motorists believe enforcement is reduced. However, authorities warned that such behaviour puts the lives of passengers and other road users at serious risk.
According to police, vehicles are designed and licensed to carry a specific number of passengers. When drivers overload their taxis by carrying extra passengers or placing excessive luggage inside or on top of vehicles, the balance and stability of the vehicle are affected.
The imbalance can lead to dangerous situations such as tyre bursts, loss of control, vehicles running off the road, or overturning. These incidents often result in serious injuries and loss of lives that could have been avoided.
Police have warned all motorists involved in dangerous loading that a nationwide crackdown has begun and anyone found violating traffic laws will be arrested and prosecuted.
The authorities emphasized that no passenger journey is worth risking human life and urged drivers to always put safety ahead of making extra profits.
Police said intelligence-led operations will continue during both day and night across different parts of the country to ensure that road users follow traffic regulations and help reduce road crashes.
Motorists have been encouraged to cooperate with enforcement officers and avoid practices that endanger passengers, as the government continues efforts to improve road safety.
