Maputo — The Mozambican government's National Traffic Institute (INAV) on Monday began compulsory inspection of vehicles, to increase road safety.

Inspection centres are now open in Maputo, the neighbouring city of Matola, the western city of Tete, and Niassa in the far north. Other centres will shortly open in the remaining seven provinces.

The vehicle inspection involves first entering into a data base legally obligatory data such as the number plate, and the chassis number, and checking that the seat belts and lights work. The inspectors then analyse the gases issued by the exhaust pipe, the alignment of the steering, the functioning of the shock observers, and the effectiveness of the vehicle's brakes.

A vehicle that passes the inspection receives a sticker of approval that must be displayed on the windscreen. A vehicle which has more than ten minor defects (those which do not pose a threat to road safety) fails the inspection. The owner is told to repair the defects and return within 60 days.

But if the vehicle has just one defect that affects its safety, then it will be towed or escorted immediately to a garage where the defects will be corrected at the owner's cost.

The inspection lasts between 10 and 15 minutes and costs 600 meticais (22 US dollars) for light vehicles and motor cycles, and 900 meticais for heavy vehicles. Vehicles used for passenger transport must be inspected every six months, and other vehicles once a year.

Transport Minister Paulo Zucula said at the inauguration ceremony in Matola that the regular inspections will improve road safety, and will ensure that when citizens buy a car they know that it is roadworthy - for under the new regulations nobody can sell a car without first having it inspected.