FCTA, FRSC launch crackdown on traffic violations in Abuja

Motorists in the Federal Capital Territory may face tougher sanctions as the FCT Administration, in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps and other security agencies, begins a sustained crackdown on traffic offences across Abuja.

The enforcement targets motorists who disobey traffic lights, drive against traffic, use restricted routes, park illegally and engage in other activities that obstruct the free movement of vehicles.

The Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Transportation Secretariat, Chinedum Elechi, announced the commencement of the operation on Thursday at a joint press briefing in Abuja.

Elechi said a special task force had been established to patrol major roads, apprehend offenders and ensure compliance with traffic regulations.

He linked the enforcement to the increasing disregard for traffic rules following the expansion and construction of roads under the FCT Administration’s urban renewal programme.

According to him, improved road infrastructure has enhanced connectivity across the capital but has also encouraged some motorists to flout traffic regulations.

Elechi said the operation would focus on violations including running red lights, ignoring traffic control devices, using unauthorised or restricted routes, driving against traffic and parking on major roads, junctions, under bridges and pedestrian crossings.

He warned motorists and commercial transport operators to use approved routes and parking areas, stressing that offenders would face sanctions under applicable national and FCT traffic laws.

“Offenders will have to face the full weight of the law when they involve in the dangerous exercise of driving against traffic or breaking traffic lights,” he said.

The official added that medical and psychological assessments could be required for some offenders in accordance with the National Road Traffic Regulations 2012 and relevant FCT regulations.

Also speaking, the FCT Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Tijjani Iliyasu, identified excessive overloading, traffic light violations, route violations, driving against traffic and indiscriminate parking as major concerns in the territory.

He said the offences contributed to congestion, disrupted vehicular movement and increased the risk of crashes and other dangers to road users.

Iliyasu disclosed that motorists arrested for applicable offences, including overloading and serious traffic violations, would be subjected to prescribed medical and psychological assessments before prosecution where required.

He cited Regulation 176, Sub-regulation 5 of the amended National Road Traffic Regulation 2012, which provides for such assessments at approved government hospitals at the expense of the persons concerned.

According to him, the measure is intended to address dangerous driving behaviour rather than intimidate motorists.

The FRSC commander urged residents to obey traffic lights, road signs and markings, avoid overloading and driving against traffic, and use designated motor parks, bus stops and loading points.

He also appealed to motorists to avoid indiscriminate parking and cooperate with accredited traffic enforcement personnel, particularly during peak periods.

“Always remember that time saved by risking a life is not worth it,” Iliyasu cautioned.

He said the FRSC would combine enforcement with public enlightenment, stakeholder engagement, engineering measures and inter-agency cooperation to improve road safety and traffic management.

The FCTA and FRSC said the operation would be sustained at strategic locations across the capital as authorities step up efforts to curb traffic violations, ease congestion and protect road users.