FRSC COMMENCES NON CUSTODIAN APPROACH TO PUNISH TRAFFIC OFFENDERS

By our Correspondent

The Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC says it has given a two-week ultimatum to fleet operators, transport union leaders, executives of tipper and other heavy-duty truck associations, as well as tricycle operators, to put their houses in order ahead of the commencement of strict enforcement of traffic laws in the Federal Capital Territory FCT.

FCT Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Felix Theman, gave the ultimatum during a meeting with stakeholders in Abuja.

He stated that the sector is adopting new strategies to check the excesses of motorists who are determined to violate traffic laws across the six area councils.

Corps Commander Theman noted that the sector had already engaged relevant authorities to increase the number of magistrates and court sitting days to enable the prosecution of offenders.

According to him, a new corrective approach has been adopted, where traffic offenders will be required to undergo community service instead of merely paying fines.

He explained that the Corps discovered that the payment of fines alone was not sufficient to change the behavior of many traffic offenders in the FCT.

He revealed that not fewer than ten offenders have already been sentenced by magistrates to two weeks of community service at various government establishments within the Federal Capital Territory.

According to him, the Corps is collaborating with the Nigerian Correctional Service and other security agencies to provide support for mobile court sessions to ensure the full enforcement of judgments.

He urged motorists in the FCT to cooperate fully with FRSC personnel, in line with the government’s substantial investments in road rehabilitation and construction aimed at making life more meaningful for all road users.

The Sector Commander assured that the Corps would continue its sensitization campaigns at religious centers and other public places to instill proper driving culture among road users in the FCT.

He also reiterated the Corps commitment to engaging with relevant authorities to find lasting solutions to the sale of alcoholic beverages in motor parks.