The Hadejia Local Government Council in Jigawa State has announced that it will prosecute motorists involved in dangerous passenger loading practices.
It also imposed a ban on all unauthorized motor parks in the local government.
This decision was disclosed in a statement on Monday by the Information Officer of the council, Muhammad Talaki, following the conclusion of a meeting held by the Hadejia Traffic Decongestion Committee.
The committee, chaired by Zonal Vehicle Inspector Alhaji Sani Barde, met with relevant road users and traders’ associations to address persistent traffic irregularities.
“The Hadejia Local Government Traffic Decongestion Committee has banned the picking, dropping off, and loading of passengers outside the approved motor parks in the area,” Mr. Talaki stated.
“This decision aims to tackle congestion and curb dangerous practices that contribute to road accidents.”
“The new policy mandates that taxis and mini-buses are only allowed to pick up and drop off passengers at designated bus stops approved by the government. Any motorist found violating this directive, particularly by engaging in dangerous passenger loading such as picking up or dropping off passengers on the driver’s side or on top of vehicles, will face prosecution.
“Motorists caught loading passengers at unauthorised spots or engaging in dangerous driving, especially during events like weddings, will face the full wrath of the law,” Mr. Talaki said.
In addition to this, the committee has vowed to take strong action against drivers involved in reckless behaviors such as speeding, underage driving, and driving under the influence of dangerous substances.
The new rules also extend to the removal of temporary stalls along major roads, with business owners advised to renew permits through the council.
The council stressed that these bold steps were necessary to reduce the frequent road accidents in the area and improve traffic flow, thereby safeguarding the lives and property of citizens.