A swoop on boda bodas without plate numbers which in Embu is being planned by traffic police. Embu traffic boss Mohammed Sasura yesterday said there are a lot of boda bodas that have been operating without the registered numbers plate.

Speaking in Embu town, he said it was illegal to ride a motorcycle without registration numbers. He said any motorcycle that will be on the road without the proper registration will be impounded and the owner taken to court.

Sasura said it is important that motorcycles have numbers plates. He said this is for security reasons. "If the motorcycle is involved in an illegal activity it will be easy to trace it," said Sasura. "If your motorcycle does not number a number plate, keep at it home until you get one."

He said most operators do not insure their motor bikes and overload. The traffic boss warned the boda boda riders that they risked being taken to court if they ride uninsured motorcyles.

He also warned the passengers that they will be taken to court for overloading. Sasura reminded passengers that in case of an accident in an overloaded motorcycle they will not be compensated.

He said the boda boda is licensed to carry only passenger "So many motorcycles in this region do not have insurance. Many have driving licences especially after members of parliament sponsored them through the CDF.

However even if one has a driving license but has no insurance the licence will not be of so much importance to you," said the Traffic boss.

The Traffic boss further underscored the importance of purchasing of helmet by operators, for themselves and for their passengers noting that many people have died in the area from motor cycle accidents.

He said owing to failure to wear helmets many drivers and passengers have lost their lives instantly in the past after hitting the road with their heads during accidents.

He said helmets cushions the wearer against fatal injuries thus saving them from deaths noting that many operators have been ignoring this fact.

Sasura also asked operators to use reflective jackets and also learn further road regulations. The traffic boss remarks come in the wake of numerous boda boda accidents the latest one being of a couple which died on Rupingazi river bridge after the husband lost control a week ago.