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Recognizing the need for improved governance in the transportation sector, the Imo State Government has launched a comprehensive campaign against illegal and unauthorized motor parks in Owerri and its environs. This proactive approach seeks to establish a regulated and efficient system for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.
Chief Rex Anunobi, the state’s Commissioner for Transport, signed the statement in Owerri on Thursday, which was subsequently provided to newsmen.
Noting his legal background, Anunobi emphasised the necessity of the overhaul, attributing it to the misconduct of non-state actors who exploit motor parks to cause chaos and disrupt traffic flow.
‘The ministry has declared zero tolerance on illegal and unauthorised parks on the following major roads in Owerri Metropolis: Government House intersection to Okigwe/Orji Road; Government House intersection to Bank Road extending to Assumpta Roundabout; Government House intersection to Wethedral Road extending to Emmanuel College intersection.’
Read also: Over 13,000 Illegal Motorcycle Riders Arrested In Aug. – FRSC
‘Others are Bank Road to Douglas Road extending to Emmanuel College intersection; Warehouse/Orlu Road intersection to Amakohia extending to Akwakuma; Assumpta Roundabout to Portharcourt Road extending to Hospital Junction; Assumpta Roundabout to Egbeda Junction by Rano Filling Station,’ he stated.
Furthermore, the commissioner added that the Ministry, working in collaboration with the Imo State Traffic Management Authority (ISTMA), has reorganized and appointed traffic control and enforcement teams to enforce the directive on the specified major roads in the Owerri metropolis.
The commissioner also mentioned that the enforcement teams have been mandated to impound and clamp down vehicles parked in unauthorized places. Vehicle owners will need to pay the designated fines into the Treasury Single Account (TSA) before their vehicles can be unclamped and released.
‘All government-approved BUS STOPS turned to unauthorised and illegal loading points or what are commonly known as ‘pits’ by non-state actors that are within 100 meters radius to the Intersections/Roundabouts previously mentioned in Owerri metropolis are hereby closed.’
‘Taxis and mini-buses are, therefore, directed to pick and drop off their passengers only at government-approved and designated BUS STOPS within Owerri metropolis, and defaulters shall be subject to prosecution by the Traffic Mobile Court attached to ISTMA.’
‘The ministry has also declared zero tolerance on indiscriminate and double parking of private vehicles on major roads in Owerri capital city and shall soon announce designated ‘Park and Pay’ parks for private vehicles only,’ he added.
Anunobi also emphasised that the use of motorcycles and tricycles is still limited in key areas of the capital city. Additionally, heavy-duty trucks are prohibited from operating between 7:00 pm and 6:00 am on weekdays, and throughout the day on weekends.
He appealed to motorists, as well as other road users and important players in the transportation sector, to provide full cooperation to the ministry, thereby guaranteeing the triumph of its initiatives to streamline the system.
