The Federal Capital Territory Administration has announced that owners of 149 impounded vehicles, along with 100 tricycles and motorcycles in the FCT, will be summoned to appear before a mobile court to face charges related to various traffic offenses.
Dr. Abdulateef Bello, the Director of FCTA Directorate of Road Traffic Services, also known as Vehicles Inspection Officers (VIO), made this announcement in Abuja after conducting an inspection of the impounded vehicles.
Bello, during his visit to some VIO Commands where the impounded vehicles, tricycles, and motorcycles were stored, emphasized that the owners would face significant penalties for their violations. The offenses include illegal parking in unauthorized areas, driving against traffic, operating unregistered and unpainted taxis, and involvement in illegal motor parks.
He stressed the importance of adhering to traffic rules and regulations and urged individuals to choose the path of compliance with the law, as it is more cost-effective in the long run.
Commercial motorists were advised to register and operate within designated routes and motor parks, refraining from indiscriminate picking of passengers from road corridors. Tricycle operators were reminded to operate within agreed-upon road plans and stay away from the city, focusing on transporting passengers to estates and suburban areas.
Bello also mentioned that traffic regulations had been reviewed, and fines would be increased accordingly. Offenders would face substantial penalties when they appear before the mobile court, serving as a deterrent to others.
He disclosed that the Directorate of Road Traffic Services was collaborating with the Transport Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration to review existing road traffic policies, aiming for more effective regulation of road traffic management.
As the Abuja Mass Transit system works towards full operational capacity to meet commuters’ needs, the directorate will continue to address the issue of unregistered vehicles operating illegally in the city. Bello expressed confidence that with time, these challenges would be resolved.
In summary, the Federal Capital Territory Administration is cracking down on traffic offenders, and those found guilty will face penalties in mobile courts. The administration is also working on enhancing traffic management regulations and policies for better enforcement.