On June 2, Warrick Simatab officially assumed his role as the new Metropolitan Superintendent of Papua New Guinea’s National Capital District (NCD), and on his very first day, he announced a sweeping crackdown to restore order to Port Moresby’s chaotic traffic system.
“I’m starting with myself—every police officer must arrest at least five traffic offenders per month. This is not just a slogan; it’s a disciplinary requirement,” Superintendent Simatab declared firmly during the handover ceremony.
The crackdown will be implemented in two phases:
Phase One: Public Awareness and Warning (Effective Immediately)
All vehicle owners—including those of private cars, taxis, and public buses—are urged to immediately inspect the condition of their vehicles.
If any vehicle is found with faulty brakes, broken lights, expired registration, or in an unroadworthy condition, it must be taken off the road immediately.
This period serves as a “grace period,” giving citizens the opportunity to make necessary repairs and comply with the law.
Phase Two: Enforcement and Penalties (To Begin Soon)
Once the enforcement phase begins, police will strictly apply the revised Road Traffic Act to arrest and penalize violators.
Each traffic offence will carry a bail fee of 500 Kina.
If an individual is charged with 10 offences, the total bail amount will be 5,000 Kina.
No more verbal warnings will be given—enforcement will be “zero tolerance.”
“This is the final warning. We will no longer be reasoning with people—we will be enforcing the law,” Simatab stressed.
In addition, any public buses, taxis, or private vehicles that continue to cause traffic congestion and receive two warnings without making improvements will face an immediate fine of 500 Kina.
Superintendent Simatab also issued a solemn appeal: “Every driver must respect the road, respect the lives of others, and drive responsibly. Let’s work together to create safer, cleaner, and less congested streets—especially for our schoolchildren, working mothers, and elderly citizens.”
This series of strong measures marks a new level of commitment by PNG’s police force to urban traffic management, and reflects the determination of the new leadership to restore discipline and public order.
