South Sudan’s Inspector General of Police has withdrawn several newly imposed traffic regulations and fees after facing widespread backlash from legislators and the public, who accused authorities of acting illegally and using the measures to extort motorists.

The decision, broadcast on state television on Thursday, nullifies directives that had been issued earlier in the week by the Director of Traffic Police, Maj. Gen. Kon John Akot. Inspector General of Police Gen. Said Chawul confirmed that only the ban on vehicles with tinted windows will remain in force, with exceptions granted for medically certified cases.

The revoked directives included prohibitions on right-hand-drive vehicles and vehicles fitted with left-side sliding doors, the introduction of new fees for driving tests, and proposed changes to the validity periods of driver’s licenses and vehicle registration documents.

Members of parliament criticized the traffic police leadership for overstepping its authority and enforcing regulations that conflicted with laws already passed by the legislature. Some lawmakers accused Maj. Gen. Kon of introducing a compulsory “driving test certificate” and other requirements as a means of extracting money from the public.

On Wednesday, the South Sudan Bar Association announced plans to challenge the directives in court, citing violations of constitutional and legal protections, and said it had established a special committee to pursue the matter.

Gen. Chawul clarified that right-hand-drive vehicles and those with left-side sliding doors may continue operating unless parliament enacts legislation restricting their use. He also reaffirmed that driver’s licenses remain valid for five years, as stipulated by existing law, rejecting claims that renewal periods had been altered.

The reversal comes after sustained pressure from citizens and members of the National Legislature.