FRSC boss orders clampdown on rickety vehicles

Owners of rickety vehicles risk forfeiting them and could face prosecution as the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, has directed commanding officers of the corps to commence immediate clampdown on such vehicles plying Nigerian roads.

He said the clampdown was part of efforts of the corps this year to further reduce road traffic crashes in the country.

The order is contained in a statement issued by Bisi Kazeem, the Corps Public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to Kazeem, the riot act to operators of rickety vehicles plying the nation’s highways indicates that the zonal commanding officers and sector commanders have been given an express directive to commence a nationwide arrest, impoundment and prosecution of owners or operators of such vehicles.

The corps marshal stated that the operation was aimed at increasing the tempo of its operational activities and creating a safer motoring environment in the country.

This, he added, was “premised on the realisation of its 2021 strategic goals of reducing road traffic crashes by 15 per cent and fatalities by 20 per cent.

While recalling the common sight of poorly maintained vehicles on the nation highways which often broke down and resulting in obstructions of traffic flow, the Corps Marshal enjoined motorists to ensure regular maintenance of their vehicles in view of inherent traffic hazards associated with abandoned broken down vehicles, especially at night.

He highlighted the health, safety and economic benefits of regular vehicle maintenance, noting that “if drivers and vehicle owners will adhere to constant maintenance of their vehicles, safety of lives and properties will be enhanced and the statutory role of the corps summarised in making the over 204,000km road network in Nigeria safe for all users.”

Explaining the seriousness of the riot act, Kazeem stated that severe punishment awaited anyone apprehended, including impoundment of the vehicle, payment of fines and compulsory road safety education.

“The public is therefore called to assist the corps by reporting any rickety vehicle sighted on the road to the spokesperson through the FRSC toll free numbers 122 or tune into the National Traffic Radio 107.1FM to report same or any other contravention seen on the road,” he stated.