The Katsina State Road Traffic Agency has imposed a N50,000 fine on trailer drivers and operators of heavy-duty vehicles who violate newly introduced traffic regulations.

The agency said the measures were aimed at improving road safety, reducing traffic congestion and protecting lives and property.

The executive chairman, Garba Yahaya-Rimi, announced this in a statement issued in Katsina on Friday by Abubakar Marwan, the agency’s spokesperson.

Mr Yahaya-Rimi warned that offenders could also face vehicle impoundment, suspension of operations and other sanctions. According to him, trailers and other heavy-duty vehicles entering Katsina metropolis for loading or offloading would now operate only between 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.

Yahaya-Rimi directed drivers to park in areas that would not obstruct traffic and urged operators of broken-down vehicles to promptly notify the agency for necessary action.

Mr Yahaya-Rimi also stated that any loading or offloading activity requiring the use of part of a road must receive prior approval from the agency. According to him, all heavy-duty vehicles entering the metropolis for commercial activities would be required to pay waybills and other statutory fees.

The agency’s boss further directed that vehicles with no business in the Katsina metropolis use the Ring Road and avoid city routes.

He expressed concern over excessive speeding on the Kwado Road and Ring Road and urged drivers to obey traffic regulations to prevent accidents.

According to Mr Yahaya-Rimi, the measures were part of efforts to improve road safety and ensure free traffic flow in Katsina. 

(NAN)