Coast region Matatu Owners Association coordinator Salim Mbarack Salim during a past interview. [Photo/ radiokaya.co.ke]

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Passengers have been cautioned against boarding overloaded vehicles during this festive season.Coast region Matatu Owners Association has raised concerns over Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) carrying more than the stipulated capacity of their vehicles following the rush experienced in the transport sector.Speaking during a transport stakeholder forum at a hotel in Mombasa on Thursday, the Coast region Matatu Owners Association coordinator Salim Mbarack Salim said the greed among motorists was leading to loss of lives.He said the number of deaths and injuries reported every day should worry stakeholders in the transport sector.“As the Matatu Owners Association, we are very worried. Our hearts go out to fellow Kenyans losing lives in our major highways countrywide,” said Salim.He said that majority of the long-distance PSV drivers were taking advantage of the increased number of passengers to carry more than their vehicle’s capacity.“The police should also not waste time but deal with these heartless drivers and ensure their licenses are revoked,” he added.He said that road accidents have increased towards the end of the year and both the transport and interior ministries should not relent in putting up measures to curb the accidents.Salim further said that he fully supports the deregistration of all driving schools countrywide.He said the move will ensure that driving institutions provide the required training to drivers and desist from minting money from those intending to get driving skills.“As Matatu Owners Association Coast region chapter, we fully support the proposed move if it will stop the increasing road accidents in the country,” said Salim.