Maldives Police Service (MPS) has revealed that 53 road accidents had occurred within the previous week alone.

Traffic management department’s weekly statistics publicized by the MPS reveal that traffic officers had conducted searches on 934 vehicles within 9 – 15 March.

Out of the total number, 139 were caught operating vehicles without a license and 77 were caught operating vehicles without their licenses on them.

Six were caught for disobeying traffic regulations and riding opposite one-ways.

Statistics also reveal that 42 were caught without vehicle insurance and 55 who had not paid annual fee for their vehicles. 60 were caught without their vehicle’s roadworthy certificates.

Police had also removed 200 vehicles for obstructing parking regulations. 232 persons were fined for obstructing parking regulations and police had towed four cars and 42 vehicles throughout the previous week.

It has also been revealed that 40 individuals were caught obstructing traffic signs and one for speeding.

Officers had also pulled over a minor who had been operating a motorcycle last week.

In addition, officers had pulled over 51 individuals for using their mobiles phones or headsets while operating their vehicles and 20 for trespassing.

This comes at a time there has been an alarming hike in road accidents in the capital city and outlying islands that has led to the authorities enforcing wearing helmets while crossing the Sinamale Bridge from March onwards.

The Transport Authority also revealed their decision to begin taking measures against those who go against the helmet policy, starting April.