The Hadejia Local Government Council of Jigawa says it has banned all unauthorised motor parks in the area to check congestion and other irregularities.

The information officer in charge of the council, Muhammad Talaki, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Monday.

Mr Talaki said the ban was announced in a communique issued at the end of the Hadejia council traffic decongestion committee’s meeting on Wednesday in Hadejia.

“Hadejia Local Government Traffic Decongestion Committee has banned picking, dropping off and loading of passengers outside the approved motor parks in the area.

“This is contained in a communique issued by the committee’s Chairman and Zonal Vehicle Inspector, Alhaji Sani Barde, shortly after the committee’s meeting with relevant road users and traders’ associations in the area.

“Therefore, taxis and mini buses are directed to pick and drop off their passengers only at government-approved and designated bus stops within the council area,” he said.

Mr Talaki explained that the decision was made after long deliberation on how to reduce traffic congestion that causes rampant road accidents and irregularities in the area.

He said the committee had also agreed that, henceforth, any motorist caught driving dangerously on any roads in the area, especially during wedding activities, would be prosecuted.

According to him, anybody or driver found loading passengers and/or loading at the driver’s side (Aljifu) and on top of vehicles will also be prosecuted.

“The committee also resolved that drivers involved in taking dangerous drugs, speeding as well as underage driving will face the wrath of the law.

“Also, the committee has agreed to revoke all permits of temporary stalls along major roads in the area and advised those in possession of such permits to contact the council for renewal,” he stated.

Mr Talaki noted that “the bold steps were taken in order to reduce rampant road crashes as well as curtail traffic congestion in order safeguard lives and property of the citizens.

The communique stated that the meeting was attended by representatives of security agencies and traditional leaders in the area.

(NAN)