The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to tackle “one-way” driving (driving against traffic) and other route violations, particularly during high-traffic periods in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO) of the FRSC, Osondu Ohaeri, disclosed this in an interview with journalists on Sunday in Abuja.

Mr Ohaeri said the corps has intensified enforcement, public education, and stakeholder engagement to curb the growing trend.

He said the FRSC conducted targeted patrols at identified hotspots across the FCT, particularly along high-risk corridors.

“On the enforcement front, we conduct targeted patrols at identified hotspots, including the Lugbe-Airport Road axis towards Nyanya and other routes within the FCT.

“We also carry out special intervention patrols based on intelligence to address specific violations,” he said.

Mr Ohaeri added that the corps collaborates with relevant stakeholders to ensure strict enforcement and prosecution of offenders.

According to him, the corps is working with the mobile court in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Justice to ensure swift prosecution of offenders.

“Sanctions include fines, licence penalties, and in severe cases, offenders who fail to comply may face prosecution that could lead to imprisonment.”

Beyond enforcement, the CPEO noted that the FRSC had identified attitudinal issues as a major factor driving one-way violations.

He said the corps had intensified public education campaigns to address behavioural deficiencies among motorists.

“One-way violations are fundamentally attitudinal. Some motorists are not even aware of the implications of their actions.

“That is why we have intensified sensitisation campaigns through media engagement,” he said.

Mr Ohaeri explained that the corps also engages directly with communities through grassroots advocacy initiatives.

He noted that such forums were designed to reshape driver behaviour and promote adherence to traffic regulations.

According to him, while compliance levels are gradually improving in some parts of the FCT, more sustained efforts are required to achieve lasting change.

“We carry out community outreach programmes and meetings at the grassroots, including engagements at motor parks and with local leaders.

“When you take these engagements down to the grassroots, you deepen understanding and strengthen compliance.

“However, compliance is improving in several corridors, but sustained efforts are still needed to achieve long-term results,” he said.

Mr Ohaeri emphasised that road safety is a shared responsibility, urging all road users to play their part in ensuring safer roads.

“This change must start with every road user. Safety is a collective responsibility,” he said. 

(NAN)