10 Jan 2018

Solomons' bus drivers protest illegal - police

3:04 pm on 10 January 2018

Police in Solomon Islands have warned public transport operators to abide by the law after bus owners and drivers staged an illegal protest yesterday against new routes.

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Photo: RNZ/Koroi Hawkins

The supervising deputy commissioner of police operations, Gwen Ratu, said the operators did not apply for the necessary permit to stage their protest which went through the streets of the capital to the city council office.

Ms Ratu said it was unlawful behaviour and has urged all bus operators to return to work and respect the changes introduced by the Honiara City Council.

The changes include new bus routes and stricter vehicle checks for public buses, which were brought in by the council after complaints from commuters.

Ms Ratu has asked bus operators to allow their association to represent their concerns to the council.

She said police will take stern action if any further protests are staged illegally.