Malawi operators slam 'unrealistic' penalties

Malawian operators are feeling victimised by unrealistic fines, escort fees and other charges imposed by their neighbouring country, Mozambique. Operators expressed their concerns at the Malawi/ Mozambique Bilateral Road Transport meeting held in Blantyre earlier this month, claiming that they were paying huge fines for minor offences in Mozambique. To address this, it was agreed that a hotline would be established to channel complaints and the two countries would collaborate and share information regarding offences and fines. Operators also expressed their frustration over mandatory escort fees of US$50 per truck, regardless of the nature of the goods carried. They said the fees were often paid without the actual escort being present or their receiving proper receipts. They requested that the fee be scrapped but were told that Mozambique only charged escort fees based on risk assessments for specific vehicles.