The police and Road Traffic Authority (RTA) operations to crackdown on unregistered and un- roadworthy vehicles in Port Moresby continues and today, over 30 of such vehicles have been taken off the road.

The National Capital District (NCD) Metropolitan Superintendent Warrick Simatab has praised the police officers and the Road Traffic Authority for their efforts in impounding 39 defective vehicles at the impounding yard at Eight Mile today.

Simatab confirmed that the vehicles were sighted around the city, and the drivers were arrested while the vehicles were taken to the impounding yard. He said that in some instances, drivers escaped, leaving the vehicles, which the police tow truck assisted in towing to the impounding yard. He stated that since the operation began, there has been a significant change in the city.

He said the police and other enforcement agencies will continue arresting and impounding vehicles if they are caught on public streets. He said so far, 22 defective PMV buses, 9 taxis and 8 private vehicles were impounded.

"I want to call on all vehicle owners to adhere to traffic laws. If you are caught violating one or more, you will be arrested and charged. If the offense warrants us to impound your vehicle at the impounding yard, we will do so, giving you time to fix your car before we release it back on the road. Otherwise, it is best to keep your vehicle at home, get it fixed, and then drive it on the road," Met. Supt Simatab said.

He also called on vehicle owners to check their vehicles before putting them on hire or driving them themselves on public streets. He said that if they are ignorant, the enforcement agencies will deal with them.