By Ibironke Ariyo
Malam Shehu Mohammed, Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), expressed concern over the blatant disregard of traffic rules and regulations by some professional drivers, particularly in relation to overloading and transportation of goods and passengers.
Mohammed, who said this while monitoring traffic at the Sallah promenades on Saturday in Abuja, added that this posed a danger to these people and other road users.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Corps Marshal confiscated a vehicle loaded with goods and people in Zuba, Abuja.
NAN reports that the FRSC boss ordered that all passengers sitting on the property be removed from the vehicle and the vehicle was impounded.
The head of the FRSC noted that despite the Corps’ warnings and law enforcement actions to motorists and motorists, violations of traffic rules continue to occur in the country.
“Despite a series of warnings and campaigns against the menace, drivers have refused to learn,” he said.
Mohammed said compliance with traffic rules and regulations would ensure safer roads and free flow of traffic, adding that the nationwide special operation aims to curb excesses by motorists.
He said the Corps has deployed necessary logistics to improve visibility and surveillance of the surrounding area, adding that all zebra spots and street clinics across the country are open 24 hours a day.
He added that the FRSC has deployed more than 41,000 personnel, including regular and special marshals, and more than 700 patrol cars, ambulances and tow trucks have also been deployed.
He said: “I am here with my senior officers to support our men on patrol, so that we can see, hear and feel what they used to feel while on patrol.
According to him, this will allow us to capture their operational challenges, evaluate them and see how we can find solutions.
“We found that there is still an overloading problem, especially in Zuba, Abuja. We saw drivers still carrying two passengers in the front seat and four in the back.
“We have also seen some drivers overloading their vehicles with people and goods and we are taking action against this.
“We will involve all their leaders and ensure that the problem is fully addressed and kept to a minimum.
“This ugly trend is not good for the image of the Federal Territory (FCT), the country as a whole and it is also not good for the image of the FRSC,” he said.
Mohammed, however, appealed to drivers, especially drivers, to continue to respect traffic rules and regulations.
He also called on commuters and commuters to talk to drivers to avoid traffic violations, especially the most critical ones such as overloading, speeding and dangerous driving.
The Marshal assured the motoring community and all Nigerians of the Corps’ collective determination and commitment to continue providing a safe transportation environment for all.
He urged Nigerians to travel alive to stay alive, adding that only the living live to celebrate.
