The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has reminded motorists and other road users to strictly comply with existing traffic laws and regulations.
The affected motorists include commercial drivers, motorcyclists and tricycle operators.
A release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, DSP , states that the Command was sustaining its statewide enforcement of traffic laws and regulations across Akwa Ibom , explaining that the exercise was aimed at restoring sanity on roads, reducing avoidable road crashes, protecting lives and property, and ensuring the free and orderly movement of persons and vehicles throughout the state.
Accordingly, “all road users are strongly advised to strictly comply with existing traffic laws and regulations. The Command will pay particular attention to the offences.
“The Command wishes to make it categorically clear that ignorance of the law will not be accepted as an excuse. Motorists and motorcycle/tricycle operators are therefore advised to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and that all required documents and particulars are valid before using public roads,” she noted.
It informed that Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Traffic Officers and other operational units across the state have been directed to sustain and intensify enforcement within their respective jurisdictions.
While the exercise will be firm and comprehensive, the Command maintained that all officers involved have been directed to remain professional, civil and respectful in their dealings with members of the public, just as extortion, harassment, unnecessary delay or any other form of unprofessional conduct will not be tolerated.
The Command, therefore , appealed to motorists and other road users to cooperate with police officers and other authorized traffic personnel, warning that anyone apprehended for violating traffic laws will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
It equally implored parents and guardians not to permit underage or unqualified persons to operate vehicles, motorcycles or tricycles on public roads.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, Baba Azare has reiterated that the ongoing enforcement exercise was not intended to “inconvenience members of the public, but to save lives, prevent road crashes and promote discipline and safety on our roads.”
The Command also appreciated the continued cooperation and support of the good people of Akwa Ibom and urged everyone to make road safety a collective responsibility.
The offences include driving without valid vehicle particulars or driver’s licence, covered, concealed, defaced or unauthorized number plates, use of unregistered vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles ,reckless and dangerous driving, over-speeding, indiscriminate parking and obstruction of traffic ,overloading of vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles.
Others are use of motorcycles and tricycles on prohibited or restricted routes, disobedience to traffic lights, road signs and lawful directives of traffic officers, use of mobile phones while driving and other acts capable of endangering the lives of road users or disrupting the free flow of traffic.