The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) in the FCT says it has intensified clampdown on vehicles that are not road worthy within the territory.
DRTS Public Relations Officer, Mr Kalu Emetu, made the disclosure in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said that men of the directorate, otherwise referred to as Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO), would be conducting road worthiness tests on vehicles in the city to reduce hazards.
NAN reports that the FCT has continued to record the highest rate of accidents compared with the 36 states of the federation, according to official data on the directorate’s website.
Reports show that besides speeding, mechanical fault is another major cause of recorded cases of road accidents across the country.
Emetu said the safety of motorists and other road users remained paramount to the agency, adding “this is the reason we need to rid the roads of defective vehicles”.
”When any vehicle is not in good condition and we know it is not safe for both the drivers and other road users, we take it off the road.
“If your vehicle needs repairs, bring it back to life, we will give you the opportunity to do so, but if it is too bad and we know that repairs will not be possible, we take it off the road,” he said,
He said the directorate could approach the court asking for forfeiture of the impounded vehicles, adding that such step could strip people of their ownership.
The spokesman further said that the directorate would also intensify its public enlightenment campaigns on traffic rules and regulations in order to reduce violations and prevent accidents.
Emetu appealed to motorists to obey speed limits and traffic lights commands because failure to do so was a serious offence.
“A lot of people are good at violating traffic lights, we do not take such offense lightly, if you are arrested for such offence, we send you for a psychiatric test to know if you are normal.
“After the examination and you are certified fit to drive, we then prosecute you in court accordingly.
”When the traffic light goes green, you don’t just zoom off, ensure the roads are clear to avoid unnecessary accident in these ember months,” he added.
The PRO warned members of the public against patronising unpainted or private vehicles to avoid falling into the hands of criminals.
“We have always insisted that taxis must be painted and must bear commercial number plates. We are again appealing to the public to avoid entering taxis not painted in commercial colour.
“These people come with different modes, they might pretend to be giving you a ride, it is easier to trace commercial vehicles if they commit crimes,” he added.
