The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has teamed up with the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, and other relevant agencies to begin a sustained enforcement operation against traffic offences across Abuja.
The joint operation, which started in the Federal Capital Territory, is aimed at tackling violations such as beating traffic lights, driving against traffic, using restricted routes, illegal parking and other actions that disrupt the smooth movement of vehicles.
The Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Transportation Secretariat, Chinedum Elechi, announced the enforcement during a joint intervention press conference held in Abuja on Thursday.
Elechi said a special task force had been put together to patrol major roads, identify offenders and make arrests. He added that motorists found guilty of violating traffic regulations would face sanctions in line with the relevant laws.
He explained that the decision became necessary because of the growing number of motorists ignoring traffic rules across the capital. According to him, the expansion of roads under the FCT urban renewal programme has improved movement but has also created new challenges for traffic management.
The FCTA official said some motorists had taken advantage of the improved road network to disregard traffic regulations, creating risks for other road users and contributing to traffic problems in different parts of the city.
The enforcement will focus on motorists who ignore traffic lights and other road control devices, use unauthorised routes, drive against oncoming traffic or park in prohibited locations.
Vehicles and motorists found blocking major roads, junctions, pedestrian crossings and areas under bridges may also be affected by the exercise.
Elechi advised motorists and commercial transport operators to obey traffic signs, follow approved routes and use only designated parking areas. He said the operation would continue for as long as necessary to improve traffic management and road safety in the capital.
He added that some offenders may be required to undergo medical and psychological assessments where applicable, in accordance with the National Road Traffic Regulations 2012 and relevant FCT traffic laws.
The FCTA secretary said the enforcement was not designed to intimidate motorists who follow the law. Instead, he said the aim was to make Abuja roads safer, reduce unnecessary congestion and protect the lives and property of residents.
The FCT Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Tijjani Iliyasu, said the agency was also concerned about increasing cases of vehicle overloading, traffic light violations, route violations, driving against traffic and indiscriminate parking.
Iliyasu said these offences make it harder for vehicles to move freely, worsen congestion and expose motorists, passengers and pedestrians to danger.
He said the situation required regular enforcement, public education and closer cooperation between agencies responsible for managing traffic and road safety in the FCT.
According to the FRSC commander, motorists arrested for certain offences, including excessive overloading, traffic light violations and route violations, may be required to undergo medical and psychological evaluation before prosecution.
He explained that the requirement is provided for under Regulation 176, Sub-regulation 5 of the amended National Road Traffic Regulation 2012. The assessment, where applicable, is expected to be carried out at an approved government hospital at the offender’s expense.
Iliyasu said the measure was intended to address dangerous driving habits and encourage safer behaviour on the roads rather than harass members of the public.
He urged motorists to obey traffic lights, road signs and road markings, avoid overloading their vehicles and stay away from driving against traffic.
He also appealed to drivers to use approved motor parks, bus stops and loading points instead of stopping at locations that obstruct traffic.
The FRSC commander further advised road users to follow instructions from authorised traffic officers and show patience and discipline, particularly during periods of heavy traffic.
He said the road safety agency would continue working with the FCTA and other stakeholders through enforcement, public awareness, road engineering measures and other interventions aimed at improving traffic management.
The joint operation is expected to cover major and strategic locations across the FCT as authorities step up efforts to reduce road offences, ease congestion and improve safety for motorists, passengers and pedestrians.