Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has suspended the collection of fines for traffic offences in Enugu metropolis.
The suspension is for one month.
Ugwuanyi announced the decision at a meeting with civil society organisations, transports unions and other stakeholders, at the government house, in Enugu.
The development followed incessant complaints by motorists in Enugu over the exploitative and high-handed activities of various agencies which enforce traffic rules in the state.
Before the governor gave the directive, traffic-law enforcers employed by the local councils within Enugu metropolis, who also double as revenue collectors, usually demand the payment of the sum of N25,000 as fine for traffic offences from motorists.
Announcing the suspension of the fines, Ugwuanyi noted that it was unfair to ask civil servants, some of who earn the sum of N25,000 as monthly salary, to pay the same amount as fine for violating traffic rules.
He said, “Following persistent complaints from our people, I was constrained to address an issue that is becoming more and more worrisome to the people and to us as a government.
“It pertains to rising concerns over the activities of some people purporting to be working as traffic wardens cum revenue collectors for the state ministry of transport and Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, as well as the three local government councils in Enugu metropolis i.e Enugu North, Enugu South and Enugu East local government councils.
“This is a civil service state and a situation where, for example, a civil servant who may be earning about N25,000 a month is asked to pay the same amount as punishment for a traffic offence, is totally unacceptable.
“In order for us to save our people from further unnecessary hardship, I hereby order the immediate suspension of the collection of fines for traffic offences in Enugu metropolis, for a period of one month.
“We cannot fold our hands and watch individuals subject our people, as well as visitors to the state, to extortion and all manners of oppression in the guise of enforcement of traffic laws.”
The governor equally observed that there was confusion over what constitutes traffic offences in the state, due to the arbitrary activities of the traffic-law enforcers.
“There are questions as to what really constitutes a traffic offence, who is legally authorised to fix or collect fines for such offences, and where the money thus collected is deposited,” Ugwuanyi added.
According to him, the state government would, within the one-month period, streamline the activities of the traffic-law enforcement agencies, and also educate motorists on proper road use.
However, while the suspension lasts, motorists would still be apprehended if they flouted traffic rules, according to the governor.
