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By Okechukwu Onuegbu
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State command, Thursday, vowed to clampdown on transporters engaging on misroading and other traffic offences in the State.
The State Sector Commander, FRSC, Joyce Alexander, who disclosed this at media parley in her office at Awka, explained that those engaging in misroading included transporters and passengers who after overloading their vehicles with grains and other goods sit on them while on transit.
According to her, investigations have shown that most passengers and drivers engaging in this traffic offence have either lost their lives or got maimed as they fell off the moving vehicles while seated on their goods.
She also disclosed that the command has partnered with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with a view to stop and prosecute drivers and traders engaging in alcoholic drinks, illicit drugs and other substance abuse at motor parks especially in this period of Ember month.
To achieve this and other programmes, the Sector Commander said they would partner with the media, community leaders, market leaders and other law enforcement agents, while sustaining media sensitisation campaign, public education and enlightenment so that enforcement would not be difficult.
Alexander, who added that the FRSC was committed to ensuring that road safety was on the front burner for increased awareness and safer roads in Anambra State, noted that it was also part of the policy thrust of the new Corps Marshall to rejig FRSC operations nationwide.
“I want to create impact so that Anambra people will begin to enjoy benefits of FRSC, including reduced crashes and disobedience to traffic rules. We’re going to achieve more visibility by posting personnel across the state and installing road signs. Even though we’re not recruiting, we’ll rejig operations and the evidence would be seen and felt by all.
“While I work with road users, I’ll be working with the state government and other agencies for better and improved service delivery. Even as we’re working on smooth roads, we’ll equally work on overspeeding. Smooth roads go with speed calming measures and one of them is UN approved bombs not those that look like culvet, but those electronically guided.
“Beyond that is the speed limiting devices. Transporters have been made to fix the devices on their vehicles. Though some have not been complying. But with the new thrust policy, we’ll start arresting defaulters and if we do, we’ll not just allow you to pay the fine and go with your vehicles. We’ll insist you install the device before we release your vehicle," she added