Fidjrossè: first day of stricter checks on zémidjan riders without reflective vests

A joint traffic police unit carried out the first stepped-up checks this Monday morning under the new rule requiring reflective vests for zémidjan motorcycle-taxi riders, along the Route des Pêches in Fidjrossè. Dozens of motorcycles were stopped within an hour.

The measure, announced a month ago by the Littoral prefecture, aims to reduce accidents involving zémidjans after several night-time collisions were reported in recent months on this poorly lit road. A warning-only tolerance period preceded this first day of actual fines.

On the ground, riders' reactions are mixed: some had already bought a vest, others say the cost is high for an activity with modest daily earnings. Zémidjan associations are asking for subsidised vest distribution, a proposal the prefecture says it is studying.

What the creator verified this Monday: the unit present at two checkpoints on the Route des Pêches, and about ten fines issued within an hour of observation. What remains to be confirmed: the exact fine amount applied and how long this stepped-up phase is expected to last.