Traffic Police has warned drivers against carrying excess passengers in a manner that interferes with safe driving, saying the practice significantly increases the risk of road accidents and fatalities.

Traffic Police Spokesperson, Micheal Kananura said several drivers have already been apprehended for this violation and are currently in custody pending court proceedings.

"The practice of carrying excess passengers, especially in front seats, is a serious traffic violation," Kananura said "It compromises safe driving and greatly increases the risk of road crashes, which can lead to loss of lives"

He noted that enforcement alone is insufficient as some drivers deliberately avoid checkpoints or police deployments by using alternative routes while in other instances passengers cooperate by disembarking before checkpoints and rejoining vehicles afterward, allowing violations to continue

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Kananura urged drivers to immediately stop carrying passengers in a way that interferes with safe driving and warned that there will be no on-the-spot fines, with offenders arrested, detained, and taken to court.

He also called on passengers to act responsibly and avoid boarding overloaded vehicles or those operating in violation of safety regulations even if it saves time or money

"Police remains fully committed to protecting lives on the road. Through continuous and routine enforcement, we hope to eliminate all dangerous practices that put road users at risk," Kananura said "Road safety is everyone's responsibility".

The warning comes amid increasing concern over traffic crashes caused by reckless driving and overcrowded vehicles, particularly in urban areas where commuter demand is high Police have vowed to intensify patrols and court enforcement to ensure compliance with safety regulations