By Akinsuroju Abiodun Olubunmi
FCTA Cracks Down on Traffic Offenders, Prepares Prosecution for 149 Vehicles and More
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced its intention to prosecute the owners of 149 impounded vehicles, along with 100 tricycles and motorcycles in the FCT, for various traffic infractions.
Dr. Abdulateef Bello, the Director of FCTA Directorate of Road Traffic Services, commonly known as Vehicles Inspection Officers (VIO), disclosed this in Abuja on Friday following an inspection of the impounded vehicles.
During his visit to some of the VIO Commands housing the impounded vehicles, tricycles, and motorcycles, Bello emphasized that the owners would face legal consequences for their violations.
The offences encompass unauthorized parking, driving against traffic flow, operating unregistered and unpainted taxis, as well as running illegal motor parks.
Bello stressed the importance of adhering to traffic rules and regulations, emphasizing that it is more cost-effective to stay on the right side of the law.
He reminded commercial drivers to register and operate exclusively within designated routes and motor parks, discouraging indiscriminate pickups from road corridors.
Additionally, he directed tricycle operators to adhere strictly to established road plans. Their operations should be confined to transporting individuals heading to estates and suburban areas of the city, rather than entering the city center.
Bello disclosed that traffic regulations have been reviewed, and fines will be correspondingly adjusted upwards. Offenders facing the mobile court will incur significant penalties, serving as a deterrent.
The director noted that the directorate is collaborating with the Transport Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration to revise existing road traffic policies, focusing on enhancing traffic management.
He acknowledged that until the Abuja Mass Transit system becomes fully operational to meet commuter demands, the directorate will continue its efforts to combat unregistered vehicles operating illicitly within the city. He expressed confidence that this issue will soon be a thing of the past.