The Enugu State Government yesterday gave reasons why it resumed clamping of vehicles that committed traffic offences, saying that it was in the overall interest of the people of the state especially road users.
In a statement signed by the State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Vitus Okechi, the government regretted that the rate, in which motorists were abusing traffic rules and regulations in the state since after the governor ordered the suspension of the collection of fines for traffic offences in Enugu metropolis, was alarming and a threat to security of lives.
Mr. Okechi stressed that most road users in the state no longer obey traffic rules and regulations, adding that such an untoward action was the cause of some accidents on major roads in the state capital as well as the traffic obstruction being experienced on the roads including the ones newly constructed by the present administration.
The transport commissioner added that contrary to reports in some sections of the media, the resumption of traffic enforcement exercise was not targeted to harass motorists but to instill discipline and ensure smooth and accident-free transportation in the state capital and beyond.
He disclosed that the exercise was critically reviewed and carefully re-launched in line with the people-oriented programmes and policies of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration to improve the quality of transportation in the state, enhance security, save lives and propel an enduring legacy of a more decent inter-personal relationship between road users and traffic officials.
He stated that the traffic wardens have been streamlined and properly trained to discharge their duties efficiently with all sense of decorum and responsibility without infringing on the fundamental rights of traffic violators, adding that fines for offenders have been drastically reduced in the spirit of the present economic realities in the country.
Mr. Okechi informed the public to always identify the traffic enforcement officials of the Ministry of Transport with their identification cards and ‘light-demy’ uniforms, which have the inscription of their names, service numbers and Ministry’s logo.
While calling on road users in the state to support and co-operate with the government in its efforts to advance development in the transportation industry, the commissioner reassured the people that Governor Ugwuanyi was fully committed to their wellbeing as “true heroes of democracy”.
