FRSC in Ebonyi begins enforcement of speed-limiting device

NAN-H-93

FRSC

By Chukwuemeka Opara

Abakaliki, Feb. 13, 2017 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ebonyi has commenced full enforcement of the speed limiting device on commercial vehicles operating in the state.

The Sector Commander, Mrs Stella Uchegbu, disclosed this during an interactive session with stakeholders on the commencement of the exercise in Abakaliki on Monday.

According to her, the FRSC Act confers on the corps with the role of road traffic administration and safety management.

“The enforcement of speed limits for all categories of vehicles and controlling the use of speed limiting device constitutes parts of our core mandates.

“This is in addition to the mandates of reducing road traffic accidents, public enlightenment on good road usage, and enforcement of road traffic regulations, among others.

“The FRSC as a responsible organisation cannot continue to watch the wanton loss of lives of our citizens on the roads and therefore organised the interaction over the enforcement,” she said.

Uchegbu noted that having sufficiently sensitised the public on the social, safety and economic imperatives, it was apt to commence immediate enforcement of the speed limit device installation, starting with commercial vehicles.

“This decision is predicated on the analysis of data generated from Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) whose outcome indicates that speed related offences by commercial vehicles account for 60 per cent of RTA.

“We assure the public that adequate mechanisms have been put in place to ensure full enforcement of regulations on the mandatory installation of speed limiting devices.

“We will ensure a smooth enforcement without inconveniences and reiterate the confidence we have in our capacity to apply all road safety measures,’’ she said.

Dr Anya Nkama, Special Marshals Coordinator in the state, noted that the enforcement would be carried out with a human face.

“I urge commercial vehicle drivers not to attack our officers during the enforcement but cooperate with them for a successful exercise,’’ he said.

Chief Emmanuel Idike, State Chairman of the National Association of Transport Owners, urged FRSC to extend the grace period before the enforcement to allow his members and other commercial drivers acquire the devices.

“We are passing through a lot of difficulties in the course of our operations, occasioned by the current recession in the country among other factors,’’ he said.

Mr Tunde Olabode, Sales Representative of the Mega Tracker Limited, who delivered a lecture at the occasion, urged the drivers to procure the device despite its cost.

“My organisation offers the device within the price range of N35, 000 to N45,000 but always insist on quality from any distributor or outlet you purchase the device from,” Olabode said. (NAN)

RCO/GOM/OFN

Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam//Felix Nwadioha