The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says it is set to upwardly review traffic offence fines from the least N2,000 to N5,000 and even up to N300,000.

Kalu Emetu, the DRTS spokesperson, said this on Monday during an enlightenment exercise by the service in some selected motor parks in the FCT.

Mr Emetu said the service decided to impose stiffer penalties to reduce traffic offences in the territory. However, he said the fines are deferred depending on the gravity of the offence.

“For example, if a motorist blocks a particular road, thereby causing serious traffic gridlock, the vehicle will be impounded immediately, and the culprit will be fined N300,000.

“After one week, if the culprit does not show up, the service will have no choice but to approach the court to obtain a certificate of forfeiture.

“If the forfeiture order is granted, the property automatically becomes government property, and it is now left for the government to decide what to do with it,’’ he explained.

Mr Emetu said the development was geared towards forcing motorists to do the right thing by ensuring they always obey traffic rules and regulations.

“We urge motorists in FCT to obey traffic rules and regulations for their own safety and the safety of others. Otherwise, they will be made to face stiffer penalties.

“We also want them to know that it is no longer business as usual. There is a new government in place. So, it is expected of them to have an attitudinal change towards road usage,” Mr Emetu added.

(NAN)