THE Transport Authority (TA) on Tuesday announced new procedures for the seizure of motor vehicles, in accordance with Section 13 (2a) of the Transport Authority Act 1987.

It said a Transport Authority inspector or a constable shall have power to seize any vehicle which:

i. is licensed as a stage carriage, express carriage or route taxi and is not being operated on the route for which it is licensed to operate;

ii. is licensed as a hackney carriage and is being operated as a stage carriage, route taxi or express carriage;

iii. is licensed as a contract carriage and is being operated as a stage carriage or route taxi, or

iv. is licensed as an express carriage and is being operated as a stage carriage or route taxi, or

v. is being operated or used as a public passenger vehicle without a licence issued for such operation or use.

Transport Authority Managing Director Ralston Smith said that while seizures are prescribed for the various offences listed above, he has encouraged his inspectors to be diligent, judicious and prudent in the exercise of this power. He noted that in some instances, based on the circumstances, it is best advised to proceed by way of summons/ticket.

He also urged inspectors that where a decision is made for seizure, the exposure of persons, property and businesses to serious harm/loss must be carefully considered.

As such, he said, in order to further strengthen the system of accountability and ensure integrity of the process, the authorisation for seizure of vehicles, will start at the level of the area supervisor, with immediate effect.

“Consideration must be given when children and babies are being transported in motor vehicles operating without the required licence, without adequate provision for alternate transportation; seizure of vehicles for operating contrary to road licence for minor turn-offs and seizure of a vehicle that is filled with perishable goods,” said Smith.