Motorcycle couriers union rejects new age limit in traffic law

The Motorcycle Couriers Union is concerned about the age limit in the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012. This law sets the minimum age for operating commercial motorcycles and tricycles at 25 years. The union fears this could lead to unemployment for younger members.

Timothy Abugri, the General Secretary of the union, spoke to Citi News. He urged the government to reconsider the age requirement and lower it to 18 years. He stated, “We were not consulted in preparing the LI.” He believes that if they had been consulted, they could have provided valuable input.

Abugri also requested that the government allow the union to train its members before enforcing this regulation. He warned that without training, members could face arrests by law enforcement. “If a person doesn’t have certification, they cannot ride,” he explained.

He emphasized that currently no one in their sector has received training. If a police officer stops a member who hasn’t been trained, it creates a problem. Abugri believes collaboration with stakeholders is essential to ensure fair implementation of safety laws without harming livelihoods.