The Federal Capital Territory Administration FCTA has directed road traffic enforcement officers across the city to arrest drivers who overload their vehicles with passengers.
According to IgbereTV reports, Chairman, FCT Ministerial Task Team on Traffic Management, Mr Ikharo Attah made this known on Sunday in Abuja during a Media chat.
He said that the health of Nigerians will not be put in jeopardy by allowing drivers to have their vehicles fully packed or even overloaded all in a bid to make more money, while the world is fighting the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Federal Goverment had been advocating Social distancing as means of combating the spread of the virus.
He said; “Those carrying two passengers in front of their vehicles would have their vehicles impounded and drivers licence seized. Besides the health risks, it is also unsafe as the driver finds it difficult to adjust his gear and hand breaks”
He added that High Capacity Bus drivers would also be properly checked to ensure that they do not overload their Buses.
Attah also called on operators of all means of transportation particularly those only permitted to operate at the suburbs such as commercial motorcycles and tricycles to also avoid overloading.
He called on managers of motor parks and transport unions to obey the Directives of the FCT minister which limits any gathering to a maximum 50 persons.
Mr. Attah also advised transporters to be observant of their passengers and report those with signs of respiratory challenges to appropriate health authorities.
