Onitsha – The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Anambra Command on Monday said it would ensure safety and free flow of traffic to reduce road mishaps, especially during the Easter period.
The Unit Commander of FRSC in Onitsha, Mr Paulinus Akpotobo, stated this at a sensitisation campaign on Safety, organised for commercial vehicle drivers and motorcycle operators in Onitsha.
Akpotobo said that the major traffic offences by commercial motorists and motorcycle operators were overloading, speeding and driving against traffic.
He said that the commission’s operations were targeted at free flow of traffic, reduction of accident and fatality rate, particularly at the Onitsha Bridgehead, Upper Iweka and other flash points.
The unit commander, who assumes duty in Onitsha two weeks ago, said “One very conspicuous traffic offence is overloading’’.
“People come in from far and near to buy goods in Onitsha and the drivers tend to overload such goods in their vehicles,’’ Akpotobo said.
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According to him, the command has embarked on massive arrest of commercial motorcycle riders who operated without crash helmets as well as commercial motorists who drove against traffic.
He said that the FRSC, Anambra Traffic Management Agency and the Nigeria Police, were collaborating to ensure free flow of traffic in all the major routes within the state.
Akpotobo advised both States and Federal Government to construct more pedestrian bridges and flyovers along the Upper Iweka and Onitsha-Owerri roads to reduce accidents.
“Consistently drivers knocked down many people, who attempted to cross the expressways because there were no bridges for them to cross,” the unit commander said..
He said that the advocacy at motor parks, schools, hotels and on major routes would continue until people change their driving habits and culture.
Akpotobo urged the state government to assist the FRSC with more patrol vehicles and tow trucks. (NAN)
