The Lagos State Sector Command, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), said it arrested and impounded 531 trucks for operating below Road Transport Safety Standards Scheme (RTSSS) between Aug. and Sept. 16.
The Corps Commander, Lagos State Sector Command, Mr. Olusegun Ogunbemide, made the disclosure during a sensitisation and operation show your strength exercise between Cele Mile 2 axis of Lagos on Wednesday.
He listed some of the RTSSS violated by the truck drivers as speed devise, vehicle documents, standard tyres, locking of containers and driver licenses.
He explained that the exercise was part of their preparation towards peak of the year, which is the ember months, where there would be hazards and increase in vehicular movement.
The sector Commander stressed the need to sensitise the truck drivers, especially the articulated vehicle drivers, even as the outing showcased corps capability and capacities to curtail the excesses of the truck drivers.
“We want the truckers to have a change of heart, to be aware that we are set and ready to protect the motorists.
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“While the parade show was ongoing I was in a meeting with the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority on the continuation of our collaboration in line with keeping the road free for motorists.
“We want the truckers and drivers to know that we are ready to match the excesses of reckless drivers on the highway.
“Due to COVID-19 pandemic, the rate of crashes in the country nosedived because of the free road, remember that truckers were allowed to move free due to their essentials service delivery,” Ogunbemide said.
He advised drivers who are not able to meet up with RTSSS requirements to stop plying Nigerian roads, adding that officers were ready to arrest them if they refuse to comply.
Meanwhile, the FRSC Sector Commander said that the impounded trucks would only be released after their drivers have given reasonable explanation for their offenses.